Home Drug Guide Potassium Aminosalicylate

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Potassium Aminosalicylate

Brand Names Paskalium

Classification

Therapeutic: Anti-inflammatory, Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)

Pharmacological: Salicylate derivative, potassium salt

FDA Approved Indications

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (off-label use sometimes)

Mechanism of Action

It exerts anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes and reducing prostaglandin synthesis, as well as modulating immune responses.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically 500 mg to 1 g orally 2-3 times daily, adjusted based on response and tolerability.

Pediatric: Use is not well established; consult a specialist.

Geriatric: Start at lower doses with careful monitoring due to potential renal or hepatic impairment.

Renal Impairment: Dose adjustment may be necessary; monitor renal function.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; monitor hepatic function.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Orally absorbed with good bioavailability.

Distribution: Widely distributed in body water and tissues.

Metabolism: Metabolized minimally; primarily excreted unchanged.

Excretion: Renally excreted; monitor renal function.

Half Life: Approximately 2-4 hours.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to salicylates or salicylate-containing products.
  • History of aspirin-sensitive asthma.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, bleeding disorders, or gastrointestinal ulcers.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Gastrointestinal upset, nausea, vomiting (Common)
  • Allergic reactions (rash, urticaria) (Uncommon)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Salicylate toxicity, ringing in ears (tinnitus), hyperventilation (Rare)
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding (Rare)
  • Hepatotoxicity (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Enhances anticoagulants effect, increasing bleeding risk.
  • Concomitant use with other NSAIDs increases GI risk.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor for signs of bleeding, gastrointestinal discomfort, and allergic reactions. Check renal and hepatic function periodically.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for bleeding,
  • Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements.

Implementation: Administer with food to minimize GI irritation. Educate patient to report unusual bleeding or side effects.

Evaluation: Assess for reduction in symptoms and monitor for adverse effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Take medication with food or milk to reduce GI upset.
  • Avoid concurrent use of other NSAIDs or blood thinners without consulting healthcare provider.
  • Report signs of bleeding, tinnitus, or allergic reactions.
  • Do not exceed prescribed dose.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Reye's syndrome risk in children and adolescents with viral infections — typically contraindicated in these populations.

Genetic Factors: N/A

Lab Test Interference: May affect bleeding parameters.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Tinnitus, nausea, vomiting, hyperventilation, lethargy, confusion, seizures.

Treatment: Supportive care, activated charcoal if early, alkalinization of urine, and symptomatic treatment. Hemodialysis may be considered in severe cases.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, protected from moisture and light.

Stability: Stable when stored properly, check expiration date.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.