CNS: confusion, restlessness, weakness.
CV: ARRHYTHMIAS, ECG changes.
GI: abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, vomiting.
tablets, capsules only: GI ulceration, stenotic lesions.
Neuro: paralysis, paresthesia.
(Generic available)
Potassium Citrate
- Extended-release tablets: 540 mg (5 mEq); 1080 mg (10 mEq); 1620 mg (15 mEq);
Potassium Bicarbonate/Potassium Citrate
- Tablets for effervescent oral solution: 10 mEq; 20 mEq; 25 mEq;
Expressed as mEq of potassium. Potassium acetate contains 10.2 mEq/g; potassium bicarbonate contains 10 mEq potassium/g; potassium chloride contains 13.4 mEq potassium/g; potassium citrate contains approximately 10 mEq/g
Normal Daily Requirements
- PO (Adults): 40–80 mEq/day.
- PO (Children): 2–3 mEq/kg/day.
- PO (Neonates): 2–6 mEq/kg/day.
Urinary Alkalinizer (Stone Prevention)
- PO (Adults): Severe hypocitraturia (urinary citrate <150 mg/day) — 20 mEq 3 times daily or 30 mEq twice daily; may titrate dose, as needed, based on 24–hr urinary citrate and/or urinary pH measurements (max dose = 100 mEq/day). Mild to moderate hypocitraturia (urinary citrate >150 mg/day) — 10 mEq 3 times daily or 15 mEq twice daily; may titrate dose, as needed, based on 24–hr urinary citrate and/or urinary pH measurements (max dose = 100 mEq/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 citrate: Urocit-K
potassium bicarbonate/potassium citrate: Effer-K
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.
(increase in serum potassium levels)