Drug Guide

Generic Name

Potassium Chloride

Brand Names Kaon Cl, Kaon Cl-10, Slow-k, Klotrix, Micro-k, Micro-k 10, K-tab, Klor-con, Ten-k, Micro-k Ls, Potassium Chloride 10meq In Plastic Container, Potassium Chloride 20meq In Plastic Container, Potassium Chloride 30meq In Plastic Container, Potassium Chloride 40meq In Plastic Container, K+8, K+10, K-lease, Klor-con M20, Klor-con M10, Klor-con M15, Potassium Chloride In Plastic Container, Pokonza, Potassium Chloride 10meq, Potassium Chloride 20meq, Potassium Chloride 40meq

Classification

Therapeutic: Electrolyte, Mineral Supplement

Pharmacological: Potassium ion

FDA Approved Indications

Hypokalemia (low serum potassium levels)
Potassium supplementation in cases of potassium deficiency due to diuretics, vomiting, diarrhea, or other causes

Mechanism of Action

Potassium chloride replenishes potassium levels in the body, correcting hypokalemia and maintaining proper cellular, nerve, and muscle function.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Dose varies based on serum potassium levels; typically 20-80 mEq per day divided into several doses.

Pediatric: Dose based on age and weight, usually 1-2 mEq/kg/day divided into multiple doses.

Geriatric: Adjust dose considering renal function and risk of hyperkalemia.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; dose adjustments may be necessary to prevent hyperkalemia.

Hepatic Impairment: Use caution; monitor serum potassium levels.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Distribution: Distributed throughout the total body water.

Metabolism: Not significantly metabolized.

Excretion: Primarily excreted unchanged via the kidneys.

Half Life: Approximately 2-3 hours in individuals with normal renal function.

Contraindications

Hyperkalemia
Impaired renal function with risk of potassium retention
Acidosis

Precautions

Use with caution in conditions such as Addison's disease, dehydration, or extensive tissue breakdown. Monitor serum potassium regularly. Emergency management of hyperkalemia should be available.

Adverse Reactions - Common

Gastrointestinal irritation or discomfort (Uncommon)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

Hyperkalemia (nausea, weakness, arrhythmias) (Rare)
Cardiac arrest (in severe hyperkalemia) (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone)
ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril)
ARBs (e.g., losartan)
NSAIDs

Drug-Food Interactions

Salt substitutes containing potassium

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor serum potassium levels, renal function, and ECG in patients on therapy.

Diagnoses:

Risk for electrolyte imbalance
Risk for impaired gas exchange due to arrhythmias

Implementation: Administer with meals or as directed, preferably with a full glass of water. Educate patient on signs of hyperkalemia.

Evaluation: Assess serum potassium levels regularly to ensure therapeutic levels and avoid toxicity.

Patient/Family Teaching

Take medication exactly as prescribed.
Do not administer if you have hyperkalemia or kidney disease.
Report symptoms of hyperkalemia: muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, or numbness.
Avoid high-potassium foods and salt substitutes containing potassium unless advised.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

Potential for hyperkalemia, which can be fatal.
Use with caution in patients with renal impairment or those taking other potassium-sparing medications.

Genetic Factors: None specific.

Lab Test Interference: May interfere with certain laboratory tests measuring serum potassium.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Severe hyperkalemia: muscle weakness, paralysis, cardiac arrhythmias, even cardiac arrest.

Treatment: Immediate discontinuation of potassium intake, administer calcium gluconate intravenously to stabilize cardiac membranes, use agents like sodium bicarbonate or insulin with glucose to shift potassium into cells, and consider dialysis in severe cases.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Stability: Stable under normal conditions for the duration of the expiration date.