Potassium chloride: characteristic and use in agriculture and medicine

The potassium ion (K +) is the main cation of the intracellular medium. In the cytoplasm of the cell, approximately 90% of the total potassium is concentrated. Absorption of potassium mainly occurs in the small intestine. Its main mass from the intestine enters the bloodstream, and then into the tissue. Isolation of this element from the body is due to the kidneys. In urine, potassium is contained in the form of salts of inorganic (sulfate, phosphate) and organic (uric) acids. The main role of K + ions in the body is maintaining the excitability of cells, primarily of muscle. Potassium chloride in low concentrations reduces the frequency and amplitude of heart contractions. Myocardium reacts to an increased concentration of K + ions by decreasing conduction and excitability. An overdose of this drug can cause even a cardiac arrest. Deficiency of this element in the blood plasma increases the risk of arrhythmias. This can occur when using significant doses of cardiac glycosides (digitalis). With the participation of potassium ions, which are contained in erythrocytes, oxygen and carbon dioxide are transported by hemoglobin. The macroelement takes part in the processes of conduction and transmission of nerve impulses to the innervated organs. If potassium chloride is introduced into the body, then the level of acetylcholine and the excitation of the sympathetic part of the nervous system is significantly increased. Intravenous administration of the drug stimulates adrenaline excretion by the adrenal glands. Potassium chloride, as however, and other salts of this element manifests a diuretic effect.

It should be said that this macro-element is involved in maintaining the acid-base balance in the body. Takes part in the regulation of osmotic pressure, the formation and hydrolysis of phosphate compounds that are rich in energy (ATP, AMP, ADP, creatine phosphate, etc.), in phosphorylation processes. Regulation of potassium metabolism in the body is due to aldosterone. When the secretion of aldosterone decreases, the excretion of potassium decreases by the distal sections of the convoluted tubules of the kidneys, so its release in the urine decreases, and the concentration in the blood serum, intercellular fluid and cells, on the contrary, increases.

Potassium chloride: use in medicine

  Indication for the use of this drug is hypokalemia, arrhythmias of various types, intoxication with digitalis preparations, as well as hypokalemic form of paroxysmal myoplegia. In order to reduce the side effects of hydrochlorothiazide, potassium chloride is included in some antihypertensive drugs. Hypokalemia can cause disorders in the functioning of the nervous system, heart muscles, circulatory system and kidneys. Sometimes hypokalemia ends with muscle paralysis and coma.

Potassium chloride prescribe inside, and also intravenously. Most often parenteral administration is used in those cases when rapid elimination of pathological phenomena is necessary. To do this, use a 4 percent solution of the drug on 40% glucose. Potassium chloride must be used with extreme caution. An early clinical sign of intoxication is paresthesia. Intoxication with enteral administration may manifest as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Potassium chloride is contraindicated in appointing those who have violations in the excretory function of the kidneys. In this case, K + ions accumulate in the blood, which can lead to the development of intoxication.

Potassium Chloride: Application in Agriculture

This salt is an excellent potassium fertilizer. Potassium chloride is used to fertilize wheat, as well as other crops that are insensitive to the toxic effects of chlorine. Hypersensitive plants to the action of chlorine are flax, potatoes, tobacco, tomatoes, ornamental crops, and citrus fruits. Therefore, for fertilizing these plants, potassium chloride is not recommended.