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| U.S. Brand Names |
| Effer-K™; K-Ide®; Klor-con®/EF; K-Lyte®; K-Vescent® |
 |
| Generic Available |
|
No |
|
| Synonyms |
| Potassium Citrate and Potassium Bicarbonate, Effervescent |
|
| Pharmacological Index |
|
Electrolyte Supplement, Oral |
|
| Use |
|
Treatment or prevention of hypokalemia |
|
| Pregnancy Risk Factor |
|
C |
|
| Contraindications |
|
Severe renal impairment, hyperkalemia |
|
| Warnings/Precautions |
|
Use with caution in patients with renal disease, cardiac disease |
|
| Adverse Reactions |
|
>10%: Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, flatulence, vomiting 1% to 10%: Cardiovascular: Bradycardia Endocrine & metabolic: Hyperkalemia Local: Local tissue necrosis with extravasation Neuromuscular & skeletal: Weakness Respiratory: Dyspnea <1%: Chest pain, mental confusion, alkalosis, abdominal pain, throat pain, phlebitis, paresthesias, paralysis |
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| Overdosage/Toxicology |
|
Symptoms of overdose include muscle weakness, paralysis, peaked T waves, flattened P waves, prolongation of QRS complex, ventricular arrhythmias Removal of potassium can be accomplished by various means; removal through the GI tract with Kayexalate® administration; by way of the kidney through diuresis, mineralocorticoid administration or increased sodium intake; by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis; or by shifting potassium back into the cells by insulin and glucose infusion or sodium bicarbonate; calcium chloride will reverse cardiac effects. |
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| Drug Interactions |
|
Increased effect/levels with potassium-sparing diuretics, salt substitutes, ACE inhibitors |
|
| Mechanism of Action |
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Needed for the conduction of nerve impulses in heart, brain, and skeletal muscle; contraction of cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscles; maintenance of normal renal function |
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| Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics |
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Absorption: Absorbed well from upper GI tract Distribution: Enters cells via active transport from extracellular fluid Elimination: Largely by the kidneys, but also small amount via the skin and feces, with most intestinal potassium being reabsorbed |
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| Usual Dosage |
|
Oral: Adults: Prevention: 16-24 mEq/day in 2-4 divided doses Treatment: 40-100 mEq/day in 2-4 divided doses |
|
| Monitoring Parameters |
|
Serum potassium |
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| Test Interactions |
|
|
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| Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions |
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No information available to require special precautions |
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| Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment |
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No effects or complications reported |
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| Patient Information |
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Dissolve completely in 3-8 oz cold water, juice, or other suitable beverage and drink slowly |
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| Nursing Implications |
|
Monitor serum potassium |
|
| Dosage Forms |
|
Capsule, extended release: 8 mEq, 10 mEq Powder for oral solution: 15 mEq/packet; 20 mEq/packet; 25 mEq/packet Tablet, effervescent: 25 mEq, 50 mEq |
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ammonia
(B)