General
Pronunciation
a-MONE-ee-yum KLOR-ide [Pronunciation]
Pregnancy Category
Category C
Ther. class.
electrolyte modifiers
Pharm. class.
acidifying agents
Indications
IV: Treatment of:
» Hypochloremic states,
» Metabolic alkalosis.
Action
Ammonium ion is converted to urea in the liver, liberating hydrogen and chloride.
Therapeutic Effect(s):
Decreased pH and correction of metabolic alkalosis.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: IV administration results in complete bioavailability; completely absorbed after oral administration.
Distribution: Widely distributed.
Metabolism and Excretion: Ammonium ion is converted to urea in the liver, liberating hydrogen and chloride.
Half-life: Unknown.
TIME/ACTION PROFILE (effect on serum electrolytes)
| ROUTE | ONSET | PEAK | DURATION |
| IV | rapid | end of infusion | unknown |
Contraindication/Precautions
Contraindicated in:
Renal/hepatic impairment.
Use Cautiously in:
Primary respiratory acidosis;
OB: /Lactation: Safety not established.
Adverse Reactions/Side Effects
CNS: coma, confusion, drowsiness,, headache,, seizure.
Derm: rash.
GI: hypokalemia, gastric irritation, nausea, vomiting.
F and E: metabolic acidosis.
Local: pain/irritation at IV site.
Metabolic: ammonia toxicity.
MS: twitching.
Resp: hyperventilation.
*CAPITALS indicates life-threatening.
*italic indicates most frequent.
Interactions
Drug-Drug
Will hasten excretion of basic drugs ( amphetamines , quinidine ).
Route/Dosage
IV (Adults): Determine the dose of ammonium chloride by calculating the patient's chloride deficit. The following formula can be used to calculate the dosage of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl): Dose (mEq) = [0.2 L/kg * body weight (kg)] * [103(patient's serum chloride)]. 50% of this dose should be administered initially and then the patient should be reevaluated. The need for additional doses should be determined after evaluation the patient's serum bicarbonate..
Availability
Solution for injection (for dilution): Ammonium 5 mEq/mL(chloride 5 mEq/mL) (equivalent to ammonium chloride 267.5 mg/mL) in 20-mL vials
Assessment
Assess for signs of metabolic alkalosis (hypoventilation) during therapy.
Monitor for signs of hepatic function impairment (ammonia retention with intoxication, hepatic coma), especially in patients with uremia, cirrhosis, or hepatitis.
Lab Test Considerations
Monitor serum bicarbonate levels to determine dose.
» Monitor arterial blood gases.
Toxicity and Overdose Monitor for symptoms of ammonia toxicity (pallor, sweating, retching, bradycardia, arrhythmias, hyperventilation, local and general twitching, tonic convulsions, coma).
Potential Nursing Diagnoses
Deficient knowledge , related to medication regimen (Patient/Family Teaching)
Implementation
IV Adminstration:
Continuous Infusion:
Diluent: Add contents of 12 vials (100200 mEq) to 500 or 1000 mL of 0.9% NaCl.
Concentration: Do not exceed a concentration of 12% ammonium chloride. Do not freeze. If crystals form, warm solution to room temperature in a water bath before use.
Rate:
Administer by slow infusion, not to exceed 5 mL/min (approximately 3 hr for 1000 mL) in adults. Rapid administration may cause pain, toxic effects, and local irritation at venipuncture site and along course of vein.
Patient/Family Teaching
Explain purpose of therapy to patient.
Evaluation/Desired Outcomes
Resolution of hypochloremia or metabolic alkalosis.
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