potassium chloride

Contraindicated in:

Hyperkalemia;
Severe renal impairment;
Untreated Addison’s disease;
Some oral 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).

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

CV: ARRHYTHMIAS, ECG changes

F and E: hyperchloremia, hyperkalemia

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

Local: irritation at IV site

Neuro: confusion, paralysis, paresthesia, restlessness, weakness

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

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

Availability ⬆ ⬇

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/pkt
Concentrate for injection: 0.1 mEq/mL; 0.2 mEq/mL; 0.3 mEq/mL; 0.4 mEq/mL; 1.5 mEq/mL; 2 mEq/mL; 3 mEq/mL
Solution for IV infusion: 10 mEq/L in various dextrose and saline solutions in 250-, 500-, and 100-mL containers; 20 mEq/L in dextrose/saline/LR in 250-, 500-, and 100-mL containers; 30 mEq/L in various dextrose and saline solutions in 250-, 500-, and 100-mL containers; 40 mEq/L in various dextrose and saline solutions in 250-, 500-, and 100-mL containers

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

Expressed as mEq of potassium.

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.
IV (Adults ): 10–20 mEq/dose (maximum: 40 mEq/dose) to infuse over 2–3 hr (maximum infusion rate: 40 mEq/hr).
IV (Neonates , Infants and Children): 0.5–1 mEq/kg/dose (maximum 30 mEq/dose) as an infusion to infuse at 0.3–0.5 mEq/kg/hr (maximum infusion rate 1 mEq/kg/hr).

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Klor-Con, Klor-Con M10, Klor-Con M15, Klor-Con M20, ~~K-Tab,~~ Pokonza, ~~Slow-K~~

Action ⬆ ⬇

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.

Therapeutic effects:

Replacement.
Prevention of deficiency.

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: mineral and electrolyte replacements/supplements

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Well absorbed following oral administration. IV administration results in complete availability.

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

Metabolism/Excretion: Excreted by the kidneys.

Half-Life: Unknown.

Canadian Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

(↑ in serum potassium concentrations)

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	unknown	1–2 hr	unknown
IV	rapid	end of infusion	unknown

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Explain purpose and side effects of medication. Advise patient to read Patient Information before starting therapy.
Explain that a missed dose should be taken as soon as remembered within 2 hr or omit and return to regular schedule. Do not double dose.
Advise patient to notify health care provider of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult health care provider before taking other medications.
Advise patient to notify health care provider if GI irritation or ulceration (nausea, vomiting, flatulence, abdominal pain, diarrhea) occurs.
Advise patient to notify health care provider for signs and symptoms of hypokalemia (fatigue, constipation, palpitations, difficulty breathing) and hyperkalemia (abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, extremity weakness or numbness).
Caution patient to avoid salt substitutes or low-salt milk or food unless approved by health care provider. Patient should be advised to read all labels to prevent excess potassium intake.
Advise patient regarding sources of dietary potassium (see Food Sources for Specific Nutrients). Encourage compliance with recommended diet.
Emphasize the importance of regular follow-up exams to monitor serum levels and progress.
Rep: Advise women of reproductive potential to notify health care provider if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

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Indications ⬇

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇