POTASSIUM CHLORIDE
(poe-tass'ee-um)
Apo-K  , K-10, Kalium Durules , Kaochlor, Kaochlor-20 Concentrate, Kaon-Cl, Kato, KCl 5% and 20%, K-Long , Klor, Klor-10%, Klor-Con, Kloride, Klorvess, Klotrix, K-Dur, K-Lyte/Cl, K-tab, Micro-K Extentabs, Novolente K , Roychlor 10% and 20% , Rum-K, SK-Potassium Chloride, Slo-Pot , Slow-K
POTASSIUM GLUCONATE
Kaon, Kaylixir, K-G Elixir, Potassium Rougier , Royonate
Classifications: electrolytic and water balance agent; replacement solution
Pregnancy Category: A
|
Chloride 6.7 mEq, 8 mEq, 10 mEq, 20 mEq sustained release tablets; 500 mg, 595 mg tablets; 20 mEq, 25 mEq, 50 mEq effervescent tablets; 20 mEq/15 mL, 40 mEq/15 mL, 45 mEq/15 mL liquid; 15 mEq, 20 mEq, 25 mEq powder; 2 mEq/mL injection; 10 mEq, 20 mEq, 30 mEq, 40 mEq, 60 mEq, 90 mEq vials
Gluconate 20 mEq/15 mL liquid
Principal intracellular cation; essential for maintenance of intracellular isotonicity, transmission of nerve impulses, contraction
of cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscles, maintenance of normal kidney function, and for enzyme activity. Plays a prominent
role in both formation and correction of imbalances in acid–base metabolism.
Given special importance as therapeutic agents but are also dangerous if improperly prescribed and administered. Utilized
for treatment of hypokalemia.
To prevent and treat potassium deficit secondary to diuretic or corticosteroid therapy. Also indicated when potassium is depleted
by severe vomiting, diarrhea; intestinal drainage, fistulas, or malabsorption; prolonged diuresis, diabetic acidosis. Effective
in the treatment of hypokalemic alkalosis (chloride, not the gluconate).
Severe renal impairment; severe hemolytic reactions; untreated Addison's disease; crush syndrome; early postoperative oliguria
(except during GI drainage); adynamic ileus; acute dehydration; heat cramps, hyperkalemia, patients receiving potassium-sparing
diuretics, digitalis intoxication with AV conduction disturbance.
Cardiac or kidney disease; systemic acidosis; slow-release potassium preparations in presence of delayed GI transit or Meckel's
diverticulum; extensive tissue breakdown (such as severe burns); pregnancy (category A); lactation.
Hypokalemia
Adult: PO 10–100 mEq/d in divided doses IV 10–40 mEq/h diluted to at least 10–20 mEq/100 mL of solution (max: 200–400 mEq/d, monitor higher doses carefully)
Child: PO 1–3 mEq/kg/d in divided doses; sustained release tablets not recommended in children IV Up to 3 mEq/kg/24 h at a rate <0.02 mEq/kg/min
|
Oral
- Give while patient is sitting up or standing (never in recumbent position) to prevent drug–induced esophagitis. Some
patients find it difficult to swallow the large sized KCl tablet.
- Do not crush or allow to chew any potassium salt tablets. Observe to make sure patient does not suck tablet (oral ulcerations
have been reported if tablet is allowed to dissolve in mouth).
- Swallow whole tablet with a large glass of water or fruit juice (if allowed) to wash drug down and to start esophageal peristalsis.
- Follow directions for diluting various liquid forms of KCl exactly. In general, dilute each 20 mEq potassium in at least 90
mL water or juice and allowed to completely before administration.
- Dilute liquid forms as directed before giving it through nasogastric tube.
| Intravenous PREPARE: IV Infusion: Add desired amount to 100–1000 mL IV solution (compatible with all standard solutions). Usual maximum is 80 mEq/1000
mL, however, 40 mEq/L is preferred to lessen irritation to veins. Note: never add KCl to an IV bag/bottle which is hanging. After adding KCl invert bag/bottle several times to ensure even distribution.
ADMINISTER: IV Infusion: KCl is never given IV push or in concentrated amounts by any route. Infuse at rate not to exceed 10 mEq/h. Adult patients with severe
potassium depletion may be able to tolerate 20 mEq/h. Too rapid infusion may cause fatal hyperkalemia.
- Take extreme care to prevent extravasation and infiltration. At first sign, discontinue infusion and select another site.
INCOMPATIBILITIES Solution/additive: Amphotericin B, dobutamine (potassium phosphate only). Y-site: Amphotericin B cholesteryl complex, diazepam, ergotamine, methylprednisolone, phenytoin, promethazine.
|
GI: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distension. Body as a Whole: Pain, mental confusion, irritability, listlessness, paresthesias of extremities, muscle weakness and heaviness of limbs, difficulty
in swallowing, flaccid paralysis. Urogenital: Oliguria, anuria. Hematologic: Hyperkalemia. Respiratory: Respiratory distress. CV: Hypotension, bradycardia; cardiac depression, arrhythmias, or arrest; altered sensitivity to digitalis glycosides. ECG changes in hyperkalemia: Tenting (peaking) of T wave (especially in right precordial leads), lowering of R with deepening of S waves and depression
of RST; prolonged P-R interval, widened QRS complex, decreased amplitude and disappearance of P waves, prolonged Q-T interval,
signs of right and left bundle block, deterioration of QRS contour and finally ventricular fibrillation and death.
Drug: potassium-sparing diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ace) inhibitors may cause hyperkalemia.
Absorption: Readily absorbed from upper GI tract. Elimination: 90% excreted in urine, 10% in feces.
Assessment & Drug Effects
- Monitor I&O ratio and pattern in patients receiving the parenteral drug. If oliguria occurs, stop infusion promptly and notify
physician.
- Lab test: Frequent serum electrolytes are warranted.
- Monitor for and report signs of GI ulceration (esophageal or epigastric pain or hematemesis).
- Monitor patients receiving parenteral potassium closely with cardiac monitor. Irregular heartbeat is usually the earliest
clinical indication of hyperkalemia.
- Be alert for potassium intoxication (hyperkalemia, see S&S, Appendix F); may result from any therapeutic dosage, and the patient
may be asymptomatic.
- The risk of hyperkalemia with potassium supplement increases (1) in older adults because of decremental changes in kidney
function associated with aging, (2) when dietary intake of potassium suddenly increases, and (3) when kidney function is significantly
compromised.
Patient & Family Education
- Do not be alarmed when the tablet carcass appears in your stool. The sustained release tablet (e.g., Slow-K) utilizes a wax
matrix as carrier for KCl crystals that passes through the digestive system.
- Learn about sources of potassium with special reference to foods and OTC drugs.
- Avoid licorice; large amounts can cause both hypokalemia and sodium retention.
- Do not use any salt substitute unless it is specifically ordered by the physician. These contain a substantial amount of potassium
and electrolytes other than sodium.
- Do not self-prescribe laxatives. Chronic laxative use has been associated with diarrhea–induced potassium loss.
- Notify physician of persistent vomiting because losses of potassium can occur.
- Report continuing signs of potassium deficit to physician: Weakness, fatigue, polyuria, polydipsia.
- Advise dentist or new physician that a potassium drug has been prescribed as long-term maintenance therapy.
- Do not open foil-wrapped powders and tablets before use.
- Do not breast feed while taking this drug without consulting physician.
1%)
Prototype drug