Drug information of Potassium chloride

Mechanism of effect

Supplemental potassium in the form of high potassium food or potassium chloride may be able to restore normal potassium levels.

Pharmacodynamic

The potassium ion is in the principle intracellular cation of most body tissues. Potassium ions participate in a number of essential physiological processes including the maintenance of intracellular tonicity, the transmission of nerve impulses, the contraction of cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle, and the maintenance of normal renal function.

Pharmacokinetics

Potassium is a normal dietary constituent and, under steady-state conditions, the amount of potassium absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract is equal to the amount excreted in the urine.

Potassium depletion will occur whenever the rate of potassium loss through renal excretion and/or loss from the gastrointestinal tract exceeds the rate of potassium intake.

Dosage

Hypokalemia

20-40 mEq PO BID-QID

Hypokalemia Prophylaxis

Start: 20 mEq PO qDay

Dosing considerations

• Dosing varies; adjust to serum potassium levels

Interactions

Amlodipine/Atorvastatine , Amitriptyline , Ipratropium bromide , intralipid , Bella donna PB , Promethazine , Trihexyphenidyl , Triamterene-H , Tolterodine , Drospirenone , Doxepin , Dicyclomine , Loratadin , Milrinone , Hydroxyzine , Hyoscine , Chlorpheniramine , Solifenacin , eplerenone , Amiloride , potassium citrate , Procyclidine , Hyoscyamine , Promazine , Perindopril , Sacubitril and valsartan , Dolutegravir , Meclizine , Azatadine , Azilsartan , Candesartan , Carbinoxamine , Flavoxate , Doxylamine , Dexchlorpheniramine , chlorcyclizine + pseudoephedrine , chlorcyclizine + phenylephrine , Mepenzolate , glycopyrrolate , Phenindamine , Molindone , Trospium , Triprolidine , Tripelennamine , Trimeprazine , Irbesartan , Brompheniramine , chlorcyclizine

Alerts

CV disease

Impaired renal fxn

Points of recommendation

Take potassium chloride with a full glass of water. Take the medicine with food or just after a meal.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup.

Do not crush, chew, or suck on a tablet or capsule. Sucking on the pill could irritate your mouth or throat.

Call your doctor if you have trouble swallowing a potassium chloride capsule or tablet. You may be able to dissolve the tablet in water, or mix the medicine from a capsule with soft food. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions.

Mix the powder form of this medicine with at least 4 ounces (one-half cup) of cold water or fruit juice before taking. Drink the mixture slowly, over 5 to 10 minutes in all. To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

To be sure this medicine is helping your condition, you may need frequent blood tests. You may not notice any change in your symptoms, but your blood work will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with potassium chloride. Your heart function may need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG). Even if you have no symptoms, tests can help your doctor determine if this medicine is effective.

Your treatment may include a special diet. Follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. Get familiar with the list of foods you should eat or avoid to help control your condition.

Potassium-rich foods include: squash, baked potatoes (skin on), spinach, lentils, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, kidney or navy beans, raisins, watermelon, orange juice, bananas, cantaloupe, and low-fat milk or yogurt. Consume only the daily amounts recommended by your doctor or nutrition counselor.

Some tablets are made with a shell that is not absorbed or melted in the body. Part of this shell may appear in your stool. This is normal and will not make the medicine less effective.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medication in a closed container.

Related drugs

Ammonium chloride