Potassium Chloride

Potassium Products · Potassium salt

Indications

Compensation of potassium loss: In those taking digoxin or anti-arrhythmic drugs where potassium depletion may induce arrhythmias; in patients in whom secondary hyperaldosteronism occurs e.g. renal artery stenosis, cirrhosis of the liver, nephrotic syndrome and severe heart failure; in patients with excessive losses of potassium in the faeces, e.g. chronic diarrhoea associated with intestinal malabsorption or laxative abuse. To compensate potassium loss in the elderly since they take inadequate amounts of potassium in the diet. To compensate potassium loss during long-term administration of drugs known to induce potassium loss e.g. corticosteroids. Hypokalaemia due to diuretics such as furosemide or thiazides when used to eliminate oedema.

Dosage

ORAL: Treatment of hypokalaemia: Adults: Potassium less than 2.5 mEq/L: 60-80 mEq/day plus additional amounts if needed. Potassium more than 2.5 mEq/L: Up to 40-60 mEq/day initial dose, followed by further dose based on lab tests. Children: 1-2 mEq/kg initially, then as needed based on lab test. If not controlled use IV preps. Prevention of hypokalaemia: Dosage require closed monitoring by lab test. Adults: 20-40 mEq/day in 1-2 divided doses. Children: 1-2 mEq/day in 1-2 divided doses. INJECTION: By IV, depending upon the requirement of potassium. Must be diluted with not less than 50 times volume of sodium chloride IV infusion 0.9% or other suitable diluent and mixed well.

Administration

The rate of infusion depends on serum potassium level. Compatibility: Stable in dextran 6% in dextrose, dextran 6% in NS, D5LR, D5¼NS, D5½NS, D5NS, D5W, D10W, D20W, LR, ½NS, NS, sodium chloride 3%. Stability: Store at room temperature. Protect from freezing, use only clear solutions. Use admixture within 24 hrs.

Adverse Effects

Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, flatulence, with modified-release preparations gastro-intestinal obstruction, ulceration, bleeding.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Controlled studies shown no risk. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Severe renal impairment. Serum plasma concentration >5 mmol/litre. Acute dehydration, conditions predisposing to hyperkalaemia, gastric obstruction or ulceration (solid preparation), extensive tissue damage, metabolic acidosis. Precautions: Should be used only under closed monitoring by lab tests. Cardiac disease, elderly, intestinal stricture, history of peptic ulcer, hiatus hernia. Mild to moderate renal impairment, hypomagnesaemia, monitor serum electrolytes, severe GI upset or haemorrhage.

Interactions

Potassium-sparing diuretics, salt substitutes, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, ciclosporin, aldosterone antagonists, tacrolimus, anticholinergics, NSAIDs, B- blockers, heparin, digoxin.

Advice to Patient

Take oral forms with meals or after meals. Do not chew or crush tablets, swallow whole with plenty of fluid or meals. Dissolve powder in water before use. Dilute or dissolve liquid in water or juice.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed from upper GI tract. Excretion: Urine (primarily). Skin. Faeces.

Brands with this active ingredient

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.