Known brand names include K-Tab and Klor-Con.
A potassium salt used to treat and prevent low potassium (hypokalemia). Extended-release tablets are used when diet changes or lower diuretic doses are not enough; diluted IV potassium is used when oral replacement is not feasible.
Labeled use. Oral treatment and prevention, with or without metabolic alkalosis; IV when oral replacement is not feasible.
Oral potassium chloride is preferred for most hypokalemia, especially with metabolic alkalosis from diuretics or vomiting, because chloride is also replaced. Use IV potassium for severe deficits, ECG changes, or when the patient cannot take oral medicine. Liquid or powder forms suit patients who cannot swallow tablets. Correct low magnesium too, or potassium will be hard to replete.
Replaces potassium, the main cation inside cells. Potassium maintains cell tonicity, nerve impulse transmission, and contraction of cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle, and supports normal kidney function. Normal plasma potassium is 3.5 to 5 mEq per liter. Chloride replacement also helps correct metabolic alkalosis.
The label does not describe a narrow therapeutic index or direct dosing by measured blood levels of the drug.
Doses come from the FDA label. Study tool, not for clinical decisions.
Start at the low end of the oral range, especially with RAAS inhibitors or NSAIDs, because reduced excretion sharply raises hyperkalemia risk. Monitor potassium often and renal function periodically. IV potassium is contraindicated in renal failure.
Cirrhosis: start at the low end of the dosing range and check potassium often. Serum potassium rose to about twice the normal response after an oral load.
Sources: [1]
None on the current ER tablet or injection labels. Fatal arrhythmias from undiluted IV potassium are a labeled warning.
No specific antidote; treat hyperkalemia. Stop all potassium sources, including potassium-sparing drugs. Give IV calcium gluconate if digitalis toxicity risk is low, IV dextrose with insulin, and sodium bicarbonate for acidosis; remove potassium with exchange resins or dialysis. Monitor the ECG closely. ER tablets can delay absorption and toxicity for hours.
No human or animal reproduction data. Supplementation that does not cause hyperkalemia is not expected to harm the fetus. The IV label advises use only if clearly needed.
Breast milk normally contains about 13 mEq of potassium per liter. Supplements join the body potassium pool and should have little or no effect on milk levels as long as body potassium is not excessive.
Sources: [1]
Safety and effectiveness of the ER tablets in children have not been established. The IV concentrate contains aluminum, which can reach toxic levels in premature neonates and others with immature or impaired kidneys.
Start at the low end of the dosing range. Potassium is excreted by the kidneys, and older adults more often have reduced renal function, so monitoring renal function may help.
Sources: [1]