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Potassium – How to Cope up with Potassium?

28 May 2007

Written by: steve Posted under Minerals Electrolytes

Potassium Drug Information – Precautions to be kept in mind while using Potassium

The amount of potassium provided by a product varies with the potassium salt (formulation) contained in the product. For example, the salt potassium chloride contains 13.4 mEq potassium per gram of salt, while potassium gluconate contains only 4.5 mEq potassium per gram of salt.

Type of Drug:

Essential electrolyte. Dietary supplement.

How the Drug Works:

Potassium is involved in many biochemical processes in the body. It is required for normal functioning of cells, nerve conduction, muscle contractions, kidney function, and acid-base balance.

Uses:

To treat or prevent hypothermia (low potassium blood levels) when dietary intake is inadequate. Low potassium levels may also be caused by some diseases, severe or prolonged episodes of vomiting or diaphone, by certain medicines (eg, potassium-losing diuretics). Symptoms or by potassium levels include weakness, constipation, fatigue , or reflexes.

Precautions:

Do not use in the following situations: allergy to potassium supplements or any of their ingredients Addison’s disease, untreated anticyclone drugs, concurrent use delay in passage through gastrointestinal tract (tablets only) high blood potassium levels kidney disease, severe conditions predisposing to high potassium levels (eg, dehydration, heat cramps)

Use with caution in the following situations: digestive tract diseases kidney disease potassium-sparing diuretics, concurrent use (solid only)

Digestive tract disease: Solid dose forms, especially enteric coated products, of potassium supplements should not be used by any patient who may have difficulty passing the tablet through the digestive tract. Some preparations may cause ulcers on the esophagus (food pipe), stomach, and intestines. Potassium supplementation should be taken as a liquid preparation by these individuals.

Heart patients: Too much or too little potassium can adversely affect the heart. Be sure that your doctor and pharmacist are aware of any heart medications you are taking.

Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits to the mother outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: Safety for use during breastfeeding has not been established. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established. Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Tests may include serum potassium levels, electrolytes, and electrocardiograms.

Tartrazine: Some of these products may contain the dye tartrazine, which can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. Check package label when available or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over-Âthe-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with potassium supplements. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with potassium supplements:

ACE inhibitors (eg, captopril, enalapril)
Anticholineregic (eg. Banthine)
Potassium-sparing diuretics (eg.amilorides salt substitutes)
Salt substitutes (solid does for me only)

Doses:

Type	Generic Name Brand Name Examples	Supplied As	Generic Available
Rx	Potassium Chloride
	K+8, K+10, K-Dur 1Q K-Dur 20, K- Tab, Kaon-CI 10, Klor-Con 8, Klor-Con 10, Klotrix, Slow-K	Tablets, controlled release: 8 mEq, 10 mEq, 20 mEq	Yes
	K-Lyte/CI, K-Lyte/Cl50	Effervescent tablets: 25 mEq, 50 mEq	No
	Micro-K Extencaps, Micro-K 10 Extencaps	Capsules, controlled release:8 mEq, 10 mEq	Yes
	Kaochlor, Kaochlor-SF,Kaon-CI, Kay Ciel, Rum-K	Liquid: 15 mEq/5 mL, 20 mEq/5 mL, 30 mEq/5 mL	Yes
	K-Lor, Kay Ciel, Klor-Con,Klor-Con/25 25	Powder: 20 mEq/packet,mEq/packet	Yes
otc	Potassium Gluconate	Tablets: 2.1 mEq	Yes
otc	Potassium 99	Tablets: 2.5 mEq	Yes
otc	K-99	Capsules: 2.5 mEq	No
Rx	Kaon Elixir	Liquid: 20 mEq/15 mL	Yes
	Potassium Combinations
Rx	Effer-K, K-Lyte DS,Klor-Con/EF	Effervescent tablets: 25 mEq, 50 mEq	Yes
Rx	Tri-K	Liquid: 45 mEq/15 mL	No

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many potassium users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Stomach pain or discomfort; nausea; vomiting; black, tarry stools; throat pain when swallowing; diarrhea; gas.

Nervous System: Confusion; unusual tiredness or weakness; anxiety. Respiratory System: Shortness of breath; breathing difficulties.

Other: Tingling or numbness of hands, feet, or lips; feeling of heaviness or weakness of the arms or legs; high blood potassium levels; irregular heart rhythm.

Guidelines for Use:

Dosage will be individualized.
Do not stop taking or change the dose, unless advised to do so by your doctor.
May cause stomach upset. Take after meals or with food and with a full glass of water or other liquid.
Do not crush or chew tablets or capsules. Swallow whole.
Liquids, powders, and effervescent tablets – Must be dissolved or diluted before using. The paCkage label will recommend the amount (eg, 4 ounces) of cold water, juice, or other beverage in which the medicine should be dissolved or mixed. After thoroughly dissolving or mixing, drink slowly over a 5-to 10-minute period.
Wax matrix products – Following the release of potassium chloride, the wax matrix of the tablets, which is not absorbable, is excreted in the stool. This is normal and no cause for concern.
Do not use salt substitutes, which contain additional potassium, except on the advice of your doctor.
Notify your doctor immediately if you experience tingling of the hands and feet; abnormal heartbeat; unusual tiredness or weakness; a feeling of heaviness in the arms or legs; severe vomiting; stomach pain or swelling; black, tarry stools; indigestion; or if you have trouble swallowing the tablets or capsules or they seem to stick in your throat.
Over-the-counter (OTC) potassium products contain very little potassium and cannot be substituted for prescription-strength potassium products.
Too much or too little potassium can adversely affect the heart. Be sure your doctor and pharmacist are aware of any heart medications you are taking.
Common sources of potassium – Beef, veal, ham, chicken, turkey, fish, milk, bananas, dates, prunes, raisins, avocado, watermelon, cantaloupes, apricots, molasses, beans, yams, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, lentils, potatoes, spinach.
Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments.
Keep out of the reach of children.