Potassium Chloride (Oral) (Electrolyte)

Question 1

What is the brand name for potassium chloride?

Answer 1

Klor-Con, K-Dur, Micro-K

Question 2

What is the mechanism of action for potassium chloride?

Answer 2

Potassium is the principle intracellular cation of our body tissues.

Question 3

What are the drug interactions of potassium chloride?

Answer 3

• Use with potassium sparing diuretics, aldosterone antagonists, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, potassium-containing medications, or salt substitutes may predispose the patient to potassium overdose and severe hyperkalemia.

Question 4

What are the contraindications of potassium chloride?

Answer 4

• Contraindicated in patients with hyperkalemia.
• Do not use tablets in patients who have any condition which prevents the tablet from passing through the gastrointestinal track undelayed.
• Use with caution in patients with impaired renal function.
• Pregnancy category C

Question 5

What are the adverse effects of potassium chloride?

Answer 5

Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness, leg cramps, and irregular heartbeats.

Question 6

What should the pharmacist tell the patient when counseling them on the use of potassium chloride?

Answer 6

• Take with or after meals and with a full glass of water (240mL)
• Swallow tablets (except K-Dur) whole
• K-Dur tablets may be halted or dispersed in 4 ounces of water.
• Avoid salt substitutes containing potassium
• The unabsorbable wax mattress from Slow K, K-Tab, and Klor-Con may be found in the stool following administration.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible.

Question 7

What is the FDA approved indication and dosage for potassium chloride?

Answer 7

For prevention and prophylaxis of potassium deficiency in the following conditions: hepatic cirrhosis with ascites, states of aldosterone access with normal renal function, potassium losing nephropathy, certain diarrheal states, patient receiving digitalis and diuretics for congestive heart failure, digitalis intoxication, and patients with hypokalemic familial periodic paralysis

Dose: 16-80 mEq/day in one or two divided doses.

Question 8

What should the providers monitor when the patient is taking potassium chloride?

Answer 8

Potassium levels

Question 9

What are the strengths of controlled-released, micro-crystalloid tablets of potassium chloride?

Answer 9

10mEq (750mg), 15mEq (1125 mg), & 20mEq (1500mg)

Question 10

What are the available strengths of potassium chloride capsules?

Answer 10

8mEq (600mg) & 10mEq (750mg)

Question 11

What are the available strengths of potassium chloride powder packets?

Answer 11

20mEq & 25mEq per packet

Question 12

What are the available strengths of potassium chloride effervescent tablets?

Answer 12

25mEq (as bicarbonate and citrate)

Question 13

What are the available strengths of potassium chloride coated tablets?

Answer 13

8mEq (600mg) and 10mEq (750mg)

Question 14

What are the available strengths of potassium chloride oral solution?

Answer 14

10% (20mEq/15mL)