Potassium Chloride Oral
FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Potassium Chloride
- Brand Names
- Potassium Chloride
- Route
- ORAL
- Dosage Form
- SOLUTION
- Product Type
- HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG
Description
11 DESCRIPTION Potassium chloride, USP is a white crystalline powder or colorless crystals. It is freely soluble in water and practically insoluble in ethanol. Chemically, potassium chloride, USP is K-Cl with a molecular mass of 74.55. Oral Solution 10%: Each 15 mL of solution contains 1.5 g of potassium chloride, USP and the following inactive ingredients: citric acid anhydrous, FD&C Yellow No. 6, glycerin, methylparaben, natural & artificial orange flavor, propylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, sodium citrate dihydrate, sucralose. Oral Solution 20%: Each 15 mL of solution contains 3.0 g of potassium chloride, USP and the following inactive ingredients: citric acid anhydrous, FD&C Yellow No. 6,glycerin, methylparaben, natural & artificial orange flavor, propylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, sodium citrate dihydrate, sucralose.
What Is Potassium Chloride Oral Used For?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Potassium chloride oral solution is indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of hypokalemia with or without metabolic alkalosis, in patients for whom dietary management with potassium-rich foods or diuretic dose reduction are insufficient. Potassium chloride is indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of hypokalemia with or without metabolic alkalosis, in patients for whom dietary management with potassium-rich foods or diuretic dose reduction are insufficient. ( 1 )
Dosage and Administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Dilute prior to administration. ( 2.1 , 5.1 ) Monitor serum potassium and adjust dosage accordingly. ( 2.2 , 2.3 ) Treatment of hypokalemia: Adults: Initial doses range from 40 to 100 mEq/day in 2 to 5 divided doses: limit doses to 40 mEq per dose. Total daily dose should not exceed 200 mEq ( 2.2 ) Pediatric patients aged birth to 16 years old: 2 to 4 mEq/kg/day in divided doses; not to exceed 1 mEq/kg as a single dose or 40 mEq whichever is lower; if deficits are severe or ongoing losses are great, consider intravenous therapy. Total daily dose should not exceed 100 mEq ( 2.3 ) Maintenance or Prophylaxis of hypokalemia: Adults: Typical dose is 20 mEq per day ( 2.2 ) Pediatric patients aged birth to 16 years old: typical dose is 1 mEq/kg/day. Do not exceed 3 mEq/kg/day ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Administration and Monitoring Monitoring Monitor serum potassium and adjust dosages accordingly. For treatment of hypokalemia, monitor potassium levels daily or more often depending on the severity of hypokalemia until they return to normal. Monitor potassium levels monthly to biannually for maintenance or prophylaxis. The treatment of potassium depletion, particularly in the presence of cardiac disease, renal disease, or acidosis requires careful attention to acid-base balance, volume status, electrolytes, including magnesium, sodium, chloride, phosphate, and calcium, electrocardiograms and the clinical status of the patient. Correct volume status, acid-base balance and electrolyte deficits as appropriate. Administration Dilute the potassium chloride oral solution with at least 4 ounces of cold water [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Take with meals or immediately after eating. If serum potassium concentration is < 2.5 mEq/L, use intravenous potassium instead of oral supplementation. 2.2 Adult Dosing Treatment of hypokalemia Daily dose ranges from 40 to 100 mEq. Give in 2 to 5 divided doses; limit doses to 40 mEq per dose. The total daily dose should not exceed 200 mEq in a 24-hour period. Maintenance or Prophylaxis Typical dose is 20 mEq per day. Individualize dose based upon serum potassium levels. Studies support the use of potassium replacement in digitalis toxicity. When alkalosis is present, normokalemia and hyperkalemia may obscure a total potassium deficit. The advisability of use of potassium replacement in the setting of hyperkalemia is uncertain. 2.3 Pediatric Dosing Treatment of hypokalemia Pediatric patients aged birth to 16 years old: The initial dose is 2 to 4 mEq/kg/day in divided doses; do not exceed as a single dose 1 mEq/kg or 40 mEq, whichever is lower; maximum daily doses should not exceed 100 mEq. If deficits are severe or ongoing losses are great, consider intravenous therapy. Maintenance or Prophylaxis Pediatric patients aged birth to 16 years old: Typical dose is 1 mEq/kg/day. Do not exceed 3 mEq/kg/day.
Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions to oral potassium salts are nausea, vomiting, flatulence, abdominal pain/discomfort, and diarrhea. Most common adverse reactions are nausea, vomiting, flatulence, abdominal pain/discomfort, and diarrhea. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Saptalis Pharmaceuticals, LLC at 1-833-727-8254or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Drug Interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Potassium sparing diuretics: Avoid concomitant use ( 7.1 ) Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors: Monitor for hyperkalemia ( 7.2 ) Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs: Monitor for hyperkalemia ( 7.3 ) 7.1 Potassium-Sparing Diuretics Use with potassium-sparing diuretics can produce severe hyperkalemia. Avoid concomitant use. 7.2 Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Inhibitors Drugs that inhibit the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) including angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), spironolactone, eplerenone, or aliskiren produce potassium retention by inhibiting aldosterone production. Closely monitor potassium in patients receiving concomitant RAAS therapy. 7.3 Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) NSAIDs may produce potassium retention by reducing renal synthesis of prostaglandin E and impairing the renin‑angiotensin system. Closely monitor potassium in patients on concomitant NSAIDs.
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Potassium chloride oral solution is contraindicated in patients on potassium sparing diuretics. Concomitant use with potassium sparing diuretics. ( 4 )
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
8.1 Pregnancy There are no human data related to use of potassium chloride during pregnancy, and animal studies have not been conducted. Potassium supplementation that does not lead to hyperkalemia is not expected to cause fetal harm. The background risk for major birth defects and miscarriage in the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
Overdosage
10 OVERDOSAGE 10.1 Symptoms The administration of oral potassium salts to persons with normal excretory mechanisms for potassium rarely causes serious hyperkalemia. However, if excretory mechanisms are impaired or if potassium is administered too rapidly potentially fatal hyperkalemia can result . Hyperkalemia is usually asymptomatic and may be manifested only by an increased serum potassium concentration (6.5 to 8.0 mEq/L) and characteristic electrocardiographic changes (peaking of T-waves, loss of P-waves, depression of S-T segment, and prolongation of the QT‑interval). Late manifestations include muscle paralysis and cardiovascular collapse from cardiac arrest (9 to 12 mEq/L). 10.2 Treatment Treatment measures for hyperkalemia include the following: Monitor closely for arrhythmias and electrolyte changes. Eliminate foods and medications containing potassium and of any agents with potassium‑sparing properties such as potassium-sparing diuretics, ARBs, ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs, certain nutritional supplements and many others. Administer intravenous calcium gluconate if the patient is at no risk or low risk of developing digitalis toxicity. Administer intravenously 300 to 500 mL/hr of 10% dextrose solution containing 10 to 20 units of crystalline insulin per 1,000 mL. Correct acidosis, if present, with intravenous sodium bicarbonate. Use exchange resins, hemodialysis, or peritoneal dialysis. In patients who have been stabilized on digitalis, too rapid a lowering of the serum potassium concentration can produce digitalis toxicity.
How Supplied
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Potassium chloride oral solution, USP 10% is a clear orange liquid with citrus aroma, available supplied as Unit Dose Cups for institutional use only, as follows: 15 mL unit dose cups (20 mEq per 15 mL): 30 cups (3 x 10) NDC 60687-884-58 40 cups (4 x 10) NDC 60687-884-64 50 cups (5 x 10) NDC 60687-884-71 80 cups (8 x 10) NDC 60687-884-07 100 cups (10 x 10) NDC 60687-884-16 30 mL unit dose cups (40 mEq per 30 mL): 40 cups (4 x 10) NDC 60687-884-14 50 cups (5 x 10) NDC 60687-884-72 Storage Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F), with excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. PROTECT from LIGHT and FREEZING. DO NOT USE IF SEAL IS BROKEN. Rx only
About This Information
This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.
What are side effects?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.
What are drug interactions?
Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.