Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
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.
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.
Potassium is an essential electrolyte necessary for cell function. Low potassium (hypokalemia) may be caused by diarrhea, vomiting, ileostomy, colon polyps, laxative use, diuretics, elevated corticosteroid levels, renal artery stenosis, and renal tubular acidosis, or other medications. Symptoms of low potassium include weakness, aches, and cramps of the muscles. Treatment is dependant upon the cause of the low potassium (hypokalemia).
Small chemicals in the body known as electrolytes are crucial for cells
to function. Potassium is one of the main electrolytes, and is concentrated
within the cells of the body. Only 2% of the body's total potassium is available
in the serum (the fluid part of the bloodstream that is not red or white blood
cells or platelets). Small changes in the serum levels of potassium can affect body
function. One of the important functions of potassium is maintenance of the cell
electrical potential. The serum bathes the cells, and if the serum potassium
level falls, cells with high electrical activity (for example, muscles and nerves) are
particularly affected.
Normal potassium levels measured in the serum range from
3.5 to 5.0 mEq/liter. Normal daily intake of potassium is 70-100 mEq (270 to 390
mg/dl), and requires the kidneys to remove that same amount each day. If more is
removed, the body's total potassium store will be decre...
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