potassium gluconate

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.

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

CV: ARRHYTHMIAS, ECG changes

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

Neuro: paralysis, paresthesia, confusion, restlessness, weakness

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

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.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

Potassium Gluconate

(Generic available)

Tablets: 2 mEq; 5 mEq
Elixir: 20 mEq/15 mL

Potassium Gluconate/Potassium Chloride

Oral solution: 20 mEq/15 mL
Powder for oral solution: 20 mEq/5-g packet

Potassium Gluconate/Potassium Citrate

Oral solution: 20 mEq/15 mL

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

Expressed as mEq of potassium. Potassium chloride contains 13.4 mEq potassium/g; potassium gluconate contains 4.3 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.

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.

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

potassium gluconate: Kaon, Kaylixir, K-G Elixir,

potassium gluconate/potassium chloride: Kolyum,

potassium gluconate/potassium citrate: Twin-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.

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

Metabolism/Excretion: Excreted by the kidneys.

Half-Life: Unknown.

Canadian Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

potassium gluconate: Potassium-Rougier

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

(increase in serum potassium levels)

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	unknown	1–2 hr	unknown

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

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 Food Sources for Specific Nutrients). 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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Indications ⬇

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇