Potassium Chloride

Mechanism :

The potassium ion is the principal intracellular cation of most body tissues. Potassium ions participate in a number of essential physiological processes including the maintenance of intracellular tonicity, the transmission of nerve impulses, the contraction of cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle and the maintenance of normal renal function.

Indication :

• Prophylaxis and treatment of hypokalemia

Contraindications :

Potassium supplements are contraindicated in patients with hyperkalemia since a further increase in serum potassium concentration in such patients can produce cardiac arrest. Hyperkalemia may complicate any of the following conditions: chronic renal failure, systemic acidosis such as diabetic acidosis, acute dehydration, extensive tissue breakdown as in severe burns, adrenal insufficiency or the administration of a potassium-sparing diuretic. Extended-release formulations of potassium chloride have produced esophageal ulceration in certain cardiac patients with esophageal compression due to an enlarged left atrium.

Dosing :

Adverse Effect :

Hyperkalemia. Upper and lower GI obstruction, bleeding, ulceration and perforation. The most common adverse reactions to oral potassium salts are nausea, vomiting, flatulence, abdominal pain/discomfort, diarrhoea.

Interaction :

Potassium-Sparing Diuretic, Angiotensin converting Enzyme Inhibitors: Risk of hyperkalemia.

Renal Dose :

Hepatic Dose :