DARROWS HALF STRENGTH
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.13% W/W, SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.20% W/V,SODIUM KACTATE 0.30% W/V
What it does
Kactate is a medication used to treat certain conditions related to electrolyte imbalance and metabolic issues.
Commonly used for: electrolyte imbalance, metabolic acidosis
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
Ask about this medicine
Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.
Hard to find? We help patients in Kenya source rare medicines. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.
Source this medicineRegistration & product details
Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 19:56:35 · updated 2026-08-03 03:05:53
About this medicine
Kactate is a medication used to treat certain conditions related to electrolyte imbalance and metabolic issues.
What it treats
- electrolyte imbalance
- metabolic acidosis
How it works
Kactate helps to restore the balance of important substances in the body, which can improve overall health and function.
Who it's for
Kactate is for people who have specific conditions that cause an imbalance of electrolytes or metabolic issues.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: kactate
Kactate, also known as potassium lactate, is a salt of lactic acid and potassium commonly used in clinical settings to correct metabolic acidosis and maintain acid-base balance. It is a clear, colorless liquid that is used as an electrolyte replenisher. Kactate is often administered in cases of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, particularly in patients with conditions that lead to acidosis.
Indications
- Metabolic acidosis
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Supportive therapy in severe diarrhea or vomiting
Dosage
Children: Refer to appropriate clinical guidelines for specific dosing based on the condition being treated and patient characteristics.
Adults: Refer to appropriate clinical guidelines for specific dosing based on the condition being treated and patient characteristics.
Mechanism of action
Kactate works by dissociating into potassium ions and lactate ions in the body. The lactate is then converted to bicarbonate in the liver, which helps to increase the serum bicarbonate levels, thereby correcting metabolic acidosis. The potassium ions help to replenish potassium levels in the body, which is crucial for normal cellular function, particularly in cardiac and muscular tissues.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamics of Kactate involve its ability to improve acid-base status by increasing bicarbonate concentrations and replenishing potassium levels. This can help restore normal physiological functions, particularly in the kidneys and cardiovascular system. The lactate acts as a substrate for gluconeogenesis, which can also support energy metabolism during states of acidosis or shock.
Pharmacokinetics
Kactate is administered intravenously, and its absorption is rapid and complete. The distribution of potassium and lactate occurs throughout the extracellular fluid. Potassium is primarily excreted through the kidneys, and lactate is metabolized in the liver and other tissues. The half-life of potassium varies based on renal function, and lactate is typically cleared within a few hours as it is converted to bicarbonate or used in metabolic pathways.
Adverse effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Hypokalemia
- Hyperkalemia
- Metabolic alkalosis
Interactions
- May interact with potassium-sparing diuretics leading to hyperkalemia
- Caution when used alongside other agents that increase potassium levels
Precautions
- Use cautiously in patients with renal impairment
- Monitor electrolytes regularly during therapy
- Consider potential for metabolic alkalosis in patients with pre-existing conditions
Pregnancy
Safety in pregnancy has not been established. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
Safety during breastfeeding has not been established. Caution is advised.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Oral solution
- Injectable solution
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.