• Treatment/prevention of potassium depletion

Contraindicated in:

• Hyperkalemia
• Severe renal impairment
• Untreated Addison’s disease
• Some products may contain tartrazine (FDC yellow dye #5) or alcohol; avoid using in patients with known hypersensitivity or intolerance
• Hyperkalemic familial periodic paralysis.

Use Cautiously in:

• Cardiac disease
• Renal impairment
• Diabetes mellitus (liquids may contain sugar)
• Hypomagnesemia (may make correction of hypokalemia more difficult)
• GI hypomotility including dysphagia or esophageal compression from left atrial enlargement (tablets, capsules)
• Patients receiving potassium-sparing drugs.

CV: ARRHYTHMIAS, ECG changes.

GI: abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, vomiting.
tablets, capsules only: GI ulceration, stenotic lesions.

Neuro: paralysis, paresthesia , confusion, restlessness, weakness.

Drug-Drug:

• Use with potassium-sparing diuretics or ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor antagonists may lead to hyperkalemia
• Anticholinergics may ↑ GI mucosal lesions in patients taking wax-matrix potassium chloride preparations

Potassium Bicarbonate/Potassium Chloride

• Tablets for effervescent oral solution: 25 mEq;

Potassium Chloride

(Generic available)

• Extended-release capsules: 8 mEq; 10 mEq;
• Extended-release tablets: 8 mEq; 10 mEq; 15 mEq; 20 mEq;
• Oral solution: 20 mEq/15 mL; 40 mEq/15 mL;
• Powder for oral solution: 20-mEq/packet;

Normal Daily Requirements

• PO (Adults): 40–80 mEq/day.
• PO (Children): 2–3 mEq/kg/day.
• PO (Neonates): 2–6 mEq/kg/day.

Prevention of Hypokalemia During Diuretic Therapy

• PO (Adults): 20–40 mEq/day in 1–2 divided doses; single dose should not exceed 20 mEq.
• PO (Neonates , Infants and Children): 1–2 mEq/kg/day in 1–2 divided doses.

Treatment of Hypokalemia

• PO (Adults): 40–100 mEq/day in divided doses.
• PO (Neonates , Infants and Children): 2–5 mEq/kg/day in divided doses.

Potassium Chloride: Klor-Con, Klor-Con M10, Klor-Con M15, Klor-Con M20, K-Tab, Slow-K

• Maintain acid-base balance, isotonicity, and electrophysiologic balance of the cell
• Activator in many enzymatic reactions; essential to transmission of nerve impulses; contraction of cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle; gastric secretion; renal function; tissue synthesis; and carbohydrate metabolism

• Replacement
• Prevention of deficiency

Therapeutic Classification: mineral and electrolyte replacements/supplements

Absorption: Well absorbed following oral administration.

Distribution: Enters extracellular fluid; then actively transported into cells.

Metabolism/Excretion: Excreted by the kidneys.

Half-life: Unknown.

Potassium Chloride: Micro-K

(↑ in serum potassium levels)

• Explain to patient purpose of the medication and the need to take as directed, especially when concurrent digoxin or diuretics are taken. A missed dose should be taken as soon as remembered within 2 hr; if not, return to regular dose schedule. Do not double dose.
• Emphasize correct method of administration. GI irritation or ulceration may result from chewing enteric-coated tablets or insufficient dilution of liquid or powder forms.
• Instruct patient to avoid salt substitutes or low-salt milk or food unless approved by health care professional. Patient should be advised to read all labels to prevent excess potassium intake.
• Advise patient regarding sources of dietary potassium (see Appendix M). Encourage compliance with recommended diet.
• Instruct patient to report dark, tarry, or bloody stools; weakness; unusual fatigue; or tingling of extremities. Notify health care professional if nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort persists. Dosage may require adjustment.
• Emphasize the importance of regular follow-up exams to monitor serum levels and progress.

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