No

Electrolyte Supplement, Oral

Treatment or prevention of hypokalemia

C

Severe renal impairment, hyperkalemia

Use with caution in patients with renal disease, cardiac disease

>10%: Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, flatulence, vomiting

1% to 10%:

Cardiovascular: Bradycardia

Endocrine & metabolic: Hyperkalemia

Local: Local tissue necrosis with extravasation

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Weakness

Respiratory: Dyspnea

<1%: Chest pain, mental confusion, alkalosis, abdominal pain, throat pain, phlebitis, paresthesias, paralysis

Symptoms of overdose include muscle weakness, paralysis, peaked T waves, flattened P waves, prolongation of QRS complex, ventricular arrhythmias

Removal of potassium can be accomplished by various means; removal through the GI tract with Kayexalate® administration; by way of the kidney through diuresis, mineralocorticoid administration or increased sodium intake; by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis; or by shifting potassium back into the cells by insulin and glucose infusion or sodium bicarbonate; calcium chloride will reverse cardiac effects.

Increased effect/levels with potassium-sparing diuretics, salt substitutes, ACE inhibitors

Needed for the conduction of nerve impulses in heart, brain, and skeletal muscle; contraction of cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscles; maintenance of normal renal function

Absorption: Absorbed well from upper GI tract

Distribution: Enters cells via active transport from extracellular fluid

Elimination: Largely by the kidneys, but also small amount via the skin and feces, with most intestinal potassium being reabsorbed

Oral:

Adults:

Prevention: 16-24 mEq/day in 2-4 divided doses

Treatment: 40-100 mEq/day in 2-4 divided doses

Serum potassium

ammonia (B)

No information available to require special precautions

No effects or complications reported

Dissolve completely in 3-8 oz cold water, juice, or other suitable beverage and drink slowly

Monitor serum potassium

Capsule, extended release: 8 mEq, 10 mEq

Powder for oral solution: 15 mEq/packet; 20 mEq/packet; 25 mEq/packet

Tablet, effervescent: 25 mEq, 50 mEq