Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: potassium chloride
BRAND NAMES: K-Dur, K-Lor, K-Tab, Kaon CL, Klorvess, Slow-K, Ten-K, Klotrix,
K-Lyte CL
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Potassium preparations are used for
supplementing potassium in order to treat or prevent low potassium levels in the
blood (hypokalemia). Potassium is a major mineral (electrolyte) that is
important for the function of every cell in the body. For example, it is
important in nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and kidney function. Normal
daily dietary intake of potassium is 40-150 mEq. Potassium deficiency occurs
when potassium loss exceeds intake. Potassium depletion may be caused by
excessive vomiting or diarrhea,
diabetic ketoacidosis, diuretics
[for example,
furosemide (Lasix)], starvation and rare disorders of the adrenal glands. Potassium
deficiency causes weakness, fatigue,
heart rhythm problems, paralysis, and
kidney dysfunction.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets and capsules: 8, 10, 20 mEq. Liquid: 20, 40
mEq/15 ml. Powder: 20, 25 mEq/packet. Injection: 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 90 mEq and
2 mEq/ml
STORAGE: Potassium should be stored at room temperature, 15-30 C
(59-86 F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Potassium is used for treating or preventing
hypokalemia.
DOSING: The usual adult recommendation for treatment of hypokalemia is
40-100 mEq daily. The dose for prevention is 16-24 mEq daily. Oral potassium is
usually taken with meals and fluids to prevent intestinal problems. Liquid
should be diluted in water or juice, and controlled release tablets should be
swallowed whole.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Angiotensin converting enzyme
(ACE) inhibitors [for
example, enalapril (Vasotec)],
angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) drugs [for
example, valsartan (Diovan)] and certain diuretics [for example, spironolactone
(Aldactone) and triamterene (Dyrenium)] increase potassium levels, causing high
potassium levels in the blood when combined with potassium supplements.
Potassium blood levels should be measured regularly in these patients.
Salt substitutes (for example, Mrs. Dash) often contain potassium. Therefore,
using salt substitutes while taking potassium supplements may lead to high
levels of potassium in the blood.
Drugs that slow transit of food through the intestine [for example, atropine
and loperamide (Imodium)] may delay passage of potassium tablets through the
digestive system and result in ulceration or narrowing of the small intestine.
PREGNANCY: Potassium supplementation has not been adequately evaluated
in pregnant women.
NURSING MOTHERS: If the mother's blood potassium level is normal, use
of potassium supplements should not adversely affect the infant.
SIDE EFFECTS: Common reactions to potassium are primarily
gastrointestinal and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence and
abdominal discomfort. Irritation and damage to the stomach, for example,
ulceration, can be reduced by taking potassium supplements with meals, reducing
the dose, or diluting liquid preparations with juice. More important side
effects include high blood potassium levels, bleeding or perforation of the
stomach or small intestine from ulcers, and narrowing (stricture) of the small
intestine from healed ulcers.
Last Editorial Review: 2/5/2009
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Electrolytes - Read about blood electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicorbonate) and the effects of electrolyte imbalances like kidney failure, low blood pressure, hypokalemia, and hyperkalemia.
- Low Potassium (Hypokalemia) - earn about low potassium (hypokalemia) causes like vomiting, diarrhea, medications, laxatives, diuretics, renal disease and more. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment information is provided.
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