Potassium 99mg Tablets
It is used to treat or prevent low potassium levels.
Drug Class
Electrolyte replacement
Pharmacologic Class
Electrolyte
Pregnancy Category
Category C
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Potassium is an essential mineral that your body needs to work properly. It helps your nerves, muscles, and heart function correctly. This medication is used to prevent or treat low potassium levels in your blood, which can happen due to certain medications, illnesses, or not getting enough potassium from your diet.
How to Use This Medicine
Taking Your Medication Correctly
To ensure you get the most benefit from your medication, follow these steps:
Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
Carefully read all the information provided with your medication and follow the instructions closely.
Take your medication with food to help your body absorb it properly.
Swallow your medication with a full glass of water.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
To maintain the quality and safety of your medication:
Store it at room temperature in a dry place, away from the bathroom.
Keep all medications in a safe and secure location, out of the reach of children and pets.
Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
If you have questions about disposing of your medication, consult with your pharmacist. You may also want to check if there are drug take-back programs available in your area.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose of your medication:
Take it as soon as you remember, unless it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose.
If it is near the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule.
* Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for a missed dose.
To ensure you get the most benefit from your medication, follow these steps:
Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
Carefully read all the information provided with your medication and follow the instructions closely.
Take your medication with food to help your body absorb it properly.
Swallow your medication with a full glass of water.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
To maintain the quality and safety of your medication:
Store it at room temperature in a dry place, away from the bathroom.
Keep all medications in a safe and secure location, out of the reach of children and pets.
Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
If you have questions about disposing of your medication, consult with your pharmacist. You may also want to check if there are drug take-back programs available in your area.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose of your medication:
Take it as soon as you remember, unless it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose.
If it is near the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule.
* Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for a missed dose.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take with food or immediately after meals to reduce stomach upset.
- Swallow tablets whole; do not crush, chew, or suck on them, as this can cause irritation or ulceration in the mouth or esophagus.
- Maintain adequate fluid intake unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
- Avoid excessive use of salt substitutes, as many contain potassium and can lead to dangerously high potassium levels.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, especially blood pressure medications, diuretics, or NSAIDs.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
For dietary supplementation: 1-2 tablets (99mg elemental potassium per tablet) orally once daily or as directed by a healthcare professional.
Dose Range:
99 - 198 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
dietarySupplementation:
1-2 tablets (99mg elemental potassium) orally once daily.
mildHypokalemia:
Doses are typically higher (e.g., 20-100 mEq/day elemental potassium, which is 780mg-3900mg elemental potassium) and require prescription and monitoring. 99mg tablets are generally insufficient for treating established hypokalemia.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established
Infant:
Not established
Child:
Dosing is weight-based and depends on the severity of hypokalemia; typically not used as a general supplement without medical supervision. Consult a pediatrician.
Adolescent:
Dosing is weight-based and depends on the severity of hypokalemia; typically not used as a general supplement without medical supervision. Consult a pediatrician.
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
Use with caution; monitor serum potassium and renal function closely.
Moderate:
Use with extreme caution; significant dose reduction or avoidance may be necessary. Frequent monitoring of serum potassium and renal function is critical.
Severe:
Contraindicated due to high risk of hyperkalemia.
Dialysis:
Generally contraindicated. If used, only under strict medical supervision with frequent monitoring of serum potassium.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No specific adjustment needed.
Moderate:
No specific adjustment needed.
Severe:
No specific adjustment needed.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Potassium is the principal intracellular cation, essential for maintaining intracellular tonicity, nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction (including cardiac muscle), and the maintenance of normal renal function and acid-base balance. Potassium gluconate provides a source of potassium ions.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
High (well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract)
Tmax:
1-2 hours
FoodEffect:
Food can reduce gastrointestinal irritation; absorption is generally good with or without food.
Distribution:
Vd:
Distributed throughout total body water, primarily intracellularly.
ProteinBinding:
Not protein-bound.
CnssPenetration:
Yes, but tightly regulated.
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not a typical pharmacokinetic parameter for an electrolyte in steady state; homeostasis is maintained by renal excretion.
Clearance:
Primarily renal clearance.
ExcretionRoute:
Renal (approximately 90%), fecal (approximately 10%).
Unchanged:
100%
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Within hours (for therapeutic effect on potassium levels).
PeakEffect:
Within hours.
DurationOfAction:
Dependent on continued administration and renal function; maintains normal potassium levels as long as supplementation continues and renal function is adequate.
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of high potassium levels, including:
+ Abnormal heartbeat
+ Confusion
+ Weakness, lightheadedness, or dizziness
+ Feeling like passing out
+ Numbness or tingling
+ Shortness of breath
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor or seek medical help:
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of high potassium levels, including:
+ Abnormal heartbeat
+ Confusion
+ Weakness, lightheadedness, or dizziness
+ Feeling like passing out
+ Numbness or tingling
+ Shortness of breath
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor or seek medical help:
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Signs of too much potassium (hyperkalemia): unusual muscle weakness, tingling or numbness, slow or irregular heartbeat, severe tiredness, confusion.
- Signs of gastrointestinal irritation: severe stomach pain, black or tarry stools, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these severe symptoms.
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
If you have elevated potassium levels in your blood.
Certain health conditions, including:
+ A bowel blockage
+ A slow-moving gastrointestinal (GI) tract
+ Slow stomach emptying
If you are currently taking any of the following medications:
+ Amiloride
+ Eplerenone
+ Spironolactone
+ Triamterene
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to discuss all of your:
Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications
Natural products
Vitamins
Health problems
with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help you determine whether it is safe to take this medication in conjunction with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
If you have elevated potassium levels in your blood.
Certain health conditions, including:
+ A bowel blockage
+ A slow-moving gastrointestinal (GI) tract
+ Slow stomach emptying
If you are currently taking any of the following medications:
+ Amiloride
+ Eplerenone
+ Spironolactone
+ Triamterene
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to discuss all of your:
Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications
Natural products
Vitamins
Health problems
with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help you determine whether it is safe to take this medication in conjunction with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Regular blood work and laboratory tests should be conducted as directed by your doctor to monitor your condition.
To minimize the risk of severe side effects, do not exceed the prescribed dosage. Adhering to your doctor's instructions regarding dosage is crucial. If your diet consists of low-salt foods or you are using a salt substitute, consult with your doctor to discuss any potential interactions.
If you have a known allergy to tartrazine (FD&C Yellow No. 5), inform your doctor, as some formulations of this medication may contain this ingredient. Additionally, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, it is vital to discuss the benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby.
To minimize the risk of severe side effects, do not exceed the prescribed dosage. Adhering to your doctor's instructions regarding dosage is crucial. If your diet consists of low-salt foods or you are using a salt substitute, consult with your doctor to discuss any potential interactions.
If you have a known allergy to tartrazine (FD&C Yellow No. 5), inform your doctor, as some formulations of this medication may contain this ingredient. Additionally, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, it is vital to discuss the benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Hyperkalemia symptoms: muscle weakness, flaccid paralysis, tingling or numbness in hands/feet/lips, confusion, slow or irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias (including ventricular fibrillation), cardiac arrest.
What to Do:
If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center (1-800-222-1222) or seek immediate medical attention. Overdose requires urgent medical intervention to lower potassium levels (e.g., IV calcium, insulin/glucose, sodium bicarbonate, diuretics, dialysis).
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene)
- Eplerenone
Major Interactions
- ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, lisinopril)
- Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) (e.g., valsartan, losartan)
- NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
- Cyclosporine
- Tacrolimus
- Heparin
- Digoxin (hyperkalemia can worsen digoxin toxicity, hypokalemia increases digoxin toxicity)
Moderate Interactions
- Beta-blockers (non-selective)
- Trimethoprim
- Pentamidine
- Salt substitutes (often contain potassium chloride)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Serum Potassium
Rationale: To establish baseline potassium status and identify pre-existing hyperkalemia or severe hypokalemia.
Timing: Before initiation of therapy.
Renal Function (BUN, Creatinine, eGFR)
Rationale: To assess the kidney's ability to excrete potassium, as renal impairment significantly increases the risk of hyperkalemia.
Timing: Before initiation of therapy.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Rationale: Consider if patient has pre-existing cardiac conditions or severe electrolyte imbalances, as potassium levels significantly impact cardiac electrical activity.
Timing: Before initiation, especially if hypokalemia is severe or cardiac risk factors are present.
Routine Monitoring
Serum Potassium
Frequency: Periodically, especially if dose is adjusted, in patients with renal impairment, or those on interacting medications. For 99mg OTC supplementation, less frequent monitoring may be acceptable unless symptoms develop.
Target: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
Action Threshold: <3.5 mEq/L (consider dose increase or further investigation), >5.0 mEq/L (consider dose reduction or discontinuation, investigate cause).
Renal Function (BUN, Creatinine)
Frequency: Periodically, especially in patients with risk factors for renal decline or those on interacting medications.
Target: Normal ranges for age and sex.
Action Threshold: Significant increase in BUN/Creatinine or decrease in eGFR (indicates impaired potassium excretion, requires dose adjustment or discontinuation).
Symptom Monitoring
- Signs of hyperkalemia: muscle weakness, fatigue, numbness or tingling (paresthesias), slow or irregular heartbeat (palpitations), confusion, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
- Signs of gastrointestinal irritation: severe stomach pain, black or tarry stools, vomiting blood.
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally considered safe when used to correct a documented potassium deficiency and serum levels are monitored. Potassium is an essential electrolyte for both mother and fetal development.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
No specific risks identified if used appropriately to correct deficiency.
Second Trimester:
No specific risks identified if used appropriately to correct deficiency.
Third Trimester:
No specific risks identified if used appropriately to correct deficiency.
Lactation
Safe. Potassium is a normal and essential component of breast milk. Supplementation to correct maternal deficiency is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding.
Infant Risk:
Low risk.
Pediatric Use
Use with caution. Dosing must be carefully calculated based on weight and the severity of hypokalemia. Risk of hyperkalemia is higher in children, especially those with renal impairment. Not typically recommended for general supplementation without medical supervision.
Geriatric Use
Increased risk of hyperkalemia due to age-related decline in renal function and higher likelihood of polypharmacy (e.g., use of ACE inhibitors, ARBs, NSAIDs, or potassium-sparing diuretics). Close monitoring of serum potassium and renal function is essential.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Always assess serum potassium and renal function (BUN, creatinine, eGFR) before initiating and periodically during potassium supplementation, especially in patients with renal impairment or those on interacting medications.
- Potassium gluconate 99mg elemental potassium tablets are typically used for dietary supplementation or very mild hypokalemia. For significant hypokalemia, higher doses of potassium chloride are usually preferred and require prescription.
- Advise patients to take potassium supplements with food or after meals to minimize gastrointestinal irritation (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort).
- Warn patients against crushing, chewing, or sucking on potassium tablets, as this can lead to localized high concentrations and potential gastrointestinal ulceration.
- Educate patients about the signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia and to seek immediate medical attention if they occur.
- Be mindful of hidden potassium sources, such as salt substitutes, which can significantly contribute to potassium intake and increase hyperkalemia risk.
Alternative Therapies
- Dietary potassium intake (e.g., bananas, oranges, potatoes, leafy greens)
- Other electrolyte replacement therapies (e.g., magnesium supplementation if hypokalemia is refractory to potassium alone)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$5 - $20 per 30 tablets
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Often covered by insurance (Tier 1 or 2) if prescribed, or available as an inexpensive over-the-counter supplement.
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide detailed information about the overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.