• Potassium Chloride
  

In two separate studies, slow-release potassium chloride caused vitamin B12 malabsorption in heart patients (Palva et al. 1972). The interference with vitamin B12 absorption may be secondary to slight acidification of the contents of the ileum.

Potassium supplementation is rarely of sufficient duration to cause vitamin B12 deficiency (Palva et al. 1972). However, low vitamin B12 levels could increase the risk of colon cancer, heart disease, brain dysfunction, birth defects, and irreversible neuropathy (Ames 2000; Covington 1999). Irritability, weakness, numbness, fatigue, glossitis, anorexia, headache, palpitations, and altered mental status, including personality and behavioral changes, are some of the signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 depletion (Covington 1999). Prolonged deficiency leads to pernicious or megaloblastic anemia that may be associated with leukopenia and thrombocytopenia.

Doses of 25 to 250 mcg/day of vitamin B12 have been used to correct nutritional deficiency (Covington 1999). Oral doses between 500 to 1000 mcg/day have been recommended for the treatment of pernicious anemia (Carmel 2000). Replacement therapy should be based on the patient's individual needs, considering the clinical presentation, serum B12 levels, age, gender, dietary habits, and medication regimen.

This information is intended to serve as a concise reference for healthcare professionals to identify substances that may be depleted by many commonly prescribed medications. Depletion of these substances depends upon a number of factors including medical history, lifestyle, dietary habits, and duration of treatment with a particular medication. The signs and symptoms associated with deficiency may be nonspecific and could be indicative of clinical conditions other than deficiency. The material presented in these monographs should not in any event be construed as specific instructions for individual patients.

Ames BN. Micronutrient deficiencies: A major cause of DNA damage. Ann NY Acad Sci. 2000;889:87-106.

Carmel R. Current concepts in cobalamin deficiency. Ann Rev Med. 2000;51:357-375.

Covington T, ed. Nonprescription Drug Therapy Guiding Patient Self-Care. St Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons; 1999:467-545.

Palva IP, Salokannel SJ, Timonen T, Palva HLA. Drug-induced malabsorption of vitamin B12. IV. Malabsorption and deficiency of B12 during treatment with slow-release potassium chloride. Acta Med. Scand. 1972;191:355-357.