Prototype Drug Unit 8 & 9- Potassium Chloride

Question 1

What is the key hormone for the regulation of potassium homeostasis?

Answer 1

Insulin

Question 2

What is important about IV form of potassium chloride?

Answer 2

it is hard on the veins so giving it fast can be fatal (Give it slowly)

Question 3

What is it used for?

Answer 3

hypokalemia, or diurectics, or people who have anything that would deplete K+ levels

Question 4

Adverse effects

Answer 4

K+= GI
(Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain)
(Take with meals to lessen these effects and drink with plenty of water so as not to create peptic ulcers)

Question 5

Contraindications

Answer 5

Hyperkalemia, systemic acidosis, severe dehydration, extensive tissue breakdown as in severe burns, or adrenal insufficiency.

Question 6

Drug interactions

Answer 6

Potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics
ACE inhibitors because they prevent aldosterone secretion and cause potassium retention.
Drugs that slow down GI (anticholinergics)

Question 7

Treatment of overdose

Answer 7

IV 10% dextrose solution. Sodium bicarbonate to correct acidosis. Polystyrene sulfonate to enhance elimination of it.