|
Pronunciation |
|
(poe
TASS ee um GLOO coe
nate) |
|
|
U.S. Brand
Names |
|
Kaon®; K-G® |
|
|
Generic
Available |
|
Yes |
|
|
Pharmacological Index |
|
Electrolyte Supplement, Oral |
|
|
Use |
|
Treatment or prevention of hypokalemia |
|
|
Pregnancy Risk
Factor |
|
A |
|
|
Contraindications |
|
Severe renal impairment, untreated Addison's disease, heat cramps,
hyperkalemia, severe tissue trauma; solid oral dosage forms are contraindicated
in patients in whom there is a structural, pathological, and/or pharmacologic
cause for delay or arrest in passage through the GI tract; an oral liquid
potassium preparation should be used in patients with esophageal compression or
delayed gastric emptying time |
|
|
Warnings/Precautions |
|
Use with caution in patients with cardiac disease, severe renal impairment,
hyperkalemia; patients must be on a cardiac monitor during intermittent
infusions |
|
|
Adverse
Reactions |
|
>10%: Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, flatulence,
vomiting (oral)
1% to 10%:
Cardiovascular: Bradycardia
Endocrine & metabolic: Hyperkalemia
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Weakness
Respiratory: Dyspnea
<1%: Chest pain, mental confusion, alkalosis, throat pain, phlebitis,
paresthesias, paralysis |
|
|
Overdosage/Toxicology |
|
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, glucose infusion, or sodium bicarbonate; calcium
chloride reverses cardiac effects |
|
|
Drug
Interactions |
|
Increased effect/levels with potassium-sparing diuretics, salt substitutes,
ACE inhibitors; increased effect of digitalis |
|
|
Stability |
|
Store at room temperature, protect from freezing; use only clear
solutions |
|
|
Mechanism of
Action |
|
Potassium is the major cation of intracellular fluid and is essential for the
conduction of nerve impulses in heart, brain, and skeletal muscle; contraction
of cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscles; maintenance of normal renal function,
acid-base balance, carbohydrate metabolism, and gastric
secretion |
|
|
Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics |
|
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 |
|
|
Usual Dosage |
|
Oral (doses listed as mEq of potassium):
Children: 2-3 mEq/kg/day
Adults: 40-80 mEq/day
Prevention of hypokalemia during diuretic therapy:
Children: 1-2 mEq/kg/day in 1-2 divided doses
Adults: 16-24 mEq/day in 1-2 divided doses
Treatment of hypokalemia:
Children: 2-5 mEq/kg/day in 2-4 divided doses
Adults: 40-100 mEq/day in 2-4 divided doses |
|
|
Administration |
|
Liquid potassium preparation should be used in patients with esophageal
compression or delayed gastric-emptying time |
|
|
Monitoring
Parameters |
|
Serum potassium, chloride, glucose, pH, urine output (if
indicated) |
|
|
Test
Interactions |
|
ammonia
(B) |
|
|
Dental Health: Local
Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor
Precautions |
|
No information available to require special precautions |
|
|
Dental Health:
Effects on Dental Treatment |
|
No effects or complications reported |
|
|
Patient
Information |
|
Take with food, water, or fruit juice; swallow tablets whole; do not crush or
chew |
|
|
Nursing
Implications |
|
Do not administer liquid full strength, must be diluted in 2-6 parts of water
or juice |
|
|
Dosage Forms |
|
Elixir: 20 mEq/15 mL
K-G®, Kaon®,
Kaylixir®: 20 mEq/15 mL
Tablet:
Glu-K®: 2 mEq
Kaon®: 5 mEq
|
|
Copyright © 1978-2000 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved
|