Potassium Chloride 20meqpowder Pkt
It is used to treat or prevent low potassium levels.
Drug Class
Electrolyte Supplement
Pharmacologic Class
Electrolyte Replacement
Pregnancy Category
Not available
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Potassium chloride is a mineral supplement used to prevent or treat low levels of potassium in your blood. Potassium is very important for your heart, muscles, and nerves to work properly.
How to Use This Medicine
Taking Your Medication Correctly
To ensure you get the most benefit from your medication, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Read all the information provided to you and follow the instructions precisely. Take your medication with or immediately after a meal. Mix the medication with water as directed before consuming it, and drink it slowly. It's essential to drink the mixture right away and not save it for later use.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature, away from direct light. Keep it in a dry place, avoiding storage in a bathroom. Do not freeze your medication. Always keep your medications in a safe and secure location, out of the reach of children and pets.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled 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 the missed one.
To ensure you get the most benefit from your medication, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Read all the information provided to you and follow the instructions precisely. Take your medication with or immediately after a meal. Mix the medication with water as directed before consuming it, and drink it slowly. It's essential to drink the mixture right away and not save it for later use.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature, away from direct light. Keep it in a dry place, avoiding storage in a bathroom. Do not freeze your medication. Always keep your medications in a safe and secure location, out of the reach of children and pets.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled 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 the missed one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take this medicine with food or immediately after a meal to reduce stomach upset.
- Mix the powder completely in at least 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of cold water or juice before drinking. Do not chew or suck on the powder.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor, even if you feel better.
- Avoid salt substitutes that contain potassium unless advised by your doctor.
- Report any signs of severe stomach pain, black/tarry stools, or vomiting blood immediately.
- Limit or avoid foods high in potassium if advised by your doctor, especially if you have kidney problems.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Potassium Cl 2meq/ml Inj 30ml
- Kcl/d5w/nacl 0.15/0.9 Inj , 1000ml
- Kcl/d5w/nacl .15/.45% Inj, 1000ml
- Potassium Cl 2meq/ml Inj 20ml
- Potassium Cl 2meq/ml Inj 10ml
- Potassium Cl 2meq/ml Inj 20ml
- Pot Chl/nacl 0.15/.45% Inj, 1000ml
- Kcl/d5w/lr 0.15% Inj, 1000ml
- Pot Chloride 20meq Inj, 100ml
- Kcl/d5w/nacl 0.3/0.45 Inj, 1000ml
- Kcl/d5w/nacl .075/.45 Inj, 1000ml
- Kcl/d5w/nacl 0.15/0.2 Inj, 1000ml
- Pot Chl/dextrose 5%/nacl0.45% Inj
- Potassium Chloride ER 8meq Tablets
- Potassium Cl 10meq ER Tablets
- Potassium Chloride ER 8meq ER Tabs
- Potassium Cl 10meq ER Capsules
- Potassium Chlor 10% Liq(20meq/15ml)
- Potassium Chlor 20% Liq(40meq/15ml)
- Potassium Cl Micro 10meq ER Tabs
- Pot Chloride 8meq CR Capsules
- Potassium Chloride 20meq Powder Pkt
- Potassium Cl Micro 10meq ER Tabs
- Potassium Cit ER 1620mg (15meq) Tab
- Potassium Cl Micro 10meq ER Tabs
- Potassium Chl 40meq Inj, 100ml
- Potassium Chloride 10meq Inj, 50ml
- Potassium Chloride 20meq Inj, 50ml
- Potassium Chloride 10meq ER Tablets
- Kcl/d5w/lact 20meq/l Inj, 1000ml
- Potassium Chloride 20meq ER Tablets
- Potassium Cl 20meq ER Tablets
- Potassium Chloride 20meqpowder Pkt
- Potassium Cl 2meq/ml Inj 250ml
- Potassium Cl 2meq/ml Inj 50ml
- Potassium Chl 10meq Inj,100ml
- Pot Chl/nacl 40meq/l Inj, 1000ml
- Pot Chl/d5w 20meq/l Inj, 1000ml
- Pot Chl/d5w 10meq/l Inj, 1000ml
- Potassium Chlor/nacl 20meq/l Inj
- Potassium Chloride 15meq ER Tabs
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
20 mEq orally 1-4 times daily, typically with meals or after food.
Dose Range:
20 - 100 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
hypokalemia_prophylaxis:
20 mEq orally once daily
mild_moderate_hypokalemia:
20-40 mEq orally 2-3 times daily, up to 100 mEq/day in divided doses
severe_hypokalemia:
Higher doses may be required, but typically managed intravenously initially. Oral therapy for maintenance.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established (dosing is highly individualized and often IV in this population)
Infant:
2-4 mEq/kg/day orally in divided doses, max 1 mEq/kg/dose or 40 mEq/day
Child:
2-4 mEq/kg/day orally in divided doses, max 1 mEq/kg/dose or 40 mEq/day (up to 100 mEq/day for severe deficiency)
Adolescent:
Similar to adult dosing, 20-40 mEq orally 2-3 times daily, up to 100 mEq/day in divided doses
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
Use with caution; monitor serum potassium closely.
Moderate:
Significant dose reduction required; monitor serum potassium and renal function frequently. May be contraindicated if hyperkalemia risk is high.
Severe:
Contraindicated due to high risk of hyperkalemia. If absolutely necessary, use with extreme caution and continuous ECG/potassium monitoring.
Dialysis:
Generally contraindicated in anuric patients or those on hemodialysis due to hyperkalemia risk, unless specifically indicated for hypokalemia and under strict monitoring.
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 of most body tissues and is involved 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. It is also involved in carbohydrate metabolism and protein synthesis.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Approximately 90% (oral solutions/powders)
Tmax:
1-2 hours (for oral solutions/powders)
FoodEffect:
Absorption is not significantly affected by food, but taking with food or after meals can reduce gastrointestinal irritation.
Distribution:
Vd:
Approximately 0.5 L/kg (reflects total body water)
ProteinBinding:
Negligible
CnssPenetration:
Limited
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Variable (depends on renal function, intake, and output; not a true pharmacokinetic half-life for an electrolyte)
Clearance:
Primarily renal excretion; rate varies with renal function.
ExcretionRoute:
Renal (approximately 90%), small amounts via feces and sweat.
Unchanged:
100%
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Within minutes to hours (for correction of serum levels)
PeakEffect:
1-4 hours (for oral forms)
DurationOfAction:
Dependent on renal function and ongoing potassium losses; typically 4-8 hours for a single dose effect.
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
Slow heartbeat
Chest pain or pressure
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:
Stomach pain or diarrhea
Upset stomach or vomiting
* Gas
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor for medical advice. 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
Slow heartbeat
Chest pain or pressure
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:
Stomach pain or diarrhea
Upset stomach or vomiting
* Gas
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor for medical advice. 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 tiredness, weakness, tingling in hands/feet, slow or irregular heartbeat, muscle paralysis, confusion.
- Signs of too little potassium (hypokalemia) despite treatment: severe muscle weakness, cramps, irregular heartbeat, extreme thirst, increased urination.
- Signs of gastrointestinal irritation: severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, black/tarry stools, blood in vomit.
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 as a result of the allergy.
If you have high potassium levels, as this may affect the safety of taking this medication.
If you are currently taking any of the following medications: Amiloride, Eplerenone, Spironolactone, or Triamterene, as these may interact with this drug.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential drug interactions or health concerns that may be relevant to this medication. Therefore, it is crucial to:
Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins.
Discuss all your health problems with your doctor to ensure it is safe for you to take this medication.
Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor to confirm it is safe to do so.
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 as a result of the allergy.
If you have high potassium levels, as this may affect the safety of taking this medication.
If you are currently taking any of the following medications: Amiloride, Eplerenone, Spironolactone, or Triamterene, as these may interact with this drug.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential drug interactions or health concerns that may be relevant to this medication. Therefore, it is crucial to:
Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins.
Discuss all your health problems with your doctor to ensure it is safe for you to take this medication.
Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor to confirm it is safe to do so.
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 tests will be necessary, as directed by your doctor, to monitor your condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns or questions with your doctor.
To minimize the risk of severe side effects, it is crucial to adhere to the prescribed dosage and not exceed the amount recommended by your doctor. If you follow a low-salt diet or use a salt substitute, consult with your doctor to discuss any potential interactions.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, notify your doctor immediately. You and your doctor will need to carefully weigh the benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby to make an informed decision.
To minimize the risk of severe side effects, it is crucial to adhere to the prescribed dosage and not exceed the amount recommended by your doctor. If you follow a low-salt diet or use a salt substitute, consult with your doctor to discuss any potential interactions.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, notify your doctor immediately. You and your doctor will need to carefully weigh the benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby to make an informed decision.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Hyperkalemia symptoms: Paresthesias (tingling/numbness), muscle weakness, flaccid paralysis, confusion, slow or irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias (e.g., peaked T waves, widened QRS, ventricular fibrillation, asystole).
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Treatment may include IV calcium (for cardiac stability), IV insulin with glucose, sodium bicarbonate, diuretics, or hemodialysis.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride) in patients with normal renal function due to severe hyperkalemia risk.
- Severe renal impairment (anuria, oliguria, acute renal failure) due to hyperkalemia risk.
- Untreated Addison's disease.
- Acute dehydration.
Major Interactions
- ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril, enalapril): Increased risk of hyperkalemia.
- Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) (e.g., valsartan, losartan): Increased risk of hyperkalemia.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen): May reduce renal potassium excretion, increasing hyperkalemia risk.
- Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus: Increased risk of hyperkalemia.
- Heparin: May cause hyperkalemia by inhibiting aldosterone secretion.
- Digoxin: Hypokalemia can potentiate digoxin toxicity; potassium supplementation can reduce this risk, but hyperkalemia can also cause cardiac arrhythmias.
Moderate Interactions
- Beta-blockers (non-selective): May impair cellular uptake of potassium, potentially increasing serum levels.
- Direct Renin Inhibitors (e.g., aliskiren): Increased risk of hyperkalemia.
- Certain laxatives (e.g., sodium polystyrene sulfonate): May bind potassium, reducing its absorption (though this is often used to treat hyperkalemia).
Minor Interactions
- None specifically categorized as minor for significant clinical impact.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Serum Potassium (K+)
Rationale: To establish baseline level and guide initial dosing for hypokalemia.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Renal Function (BUN, Serum Creatinine)
Rationale: To assess kidney function, as potassium is primarily renally excreted and impairment increases hyperkalemia risk.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Rationale: To assess for cardiac manifestations of severe hypokalemia or baseline cardiac abnormalities, especially if patient is on digoxin or has cardiac disease.
Timing: Prior to initiation, especially if severe hypokalemia or cardiac risk factors.
Routine Monitoring
Serum Potassium (K+)
Frequency: Daily initially for severe hypokalemia, then 2-3 times weekly, then weekly to monthly depending on stability and underlying condition.
Target: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
Action Threshold: <3.5 mEq/L (consider dose increase), >5.0 mEq/L (consider dose decrease/hold), >5.5 mEq/L (urgent intervention for hyperkalemia).
Renal Function (BUN, Serum Creatinine)
Frequency: Periodically (e.g., every 1-3 months) or more frequently if renal function is unstable or interacting drugs are used.
Target: Normal limits for age and sex.
Action Threshold: Significant decline in GFR or increase in BUN/creatinine warrants immediate re-evaluation of potassium dosing.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Frequency: As clinically indicated, especially if serum potassium is outside target range or symptoms of hyper/hypokalemia develop.
Target: Normal sinus rhythm, absence of hyperkalemia/hypokalemia changes (e.actionThreshold: peaked T waves, prolonged PR/QRS for hyperkalemia; flattened T waves, U waves for hypokalemia).
Action Threshold: Any new or worsening ECG changes suggestive of electrolyte imbalance.
Symptom Monitoring
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle cramps
- Fatigue
- Paresthesias (tingling, numbness)
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Confusion
- Dizziness
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Potassium is an essential electrolyte. When used to correct a deficiency, it is generally considered safe during pregnancy. Close monitoring of serum potassium levels is recommended.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
No known increased risk.
Second Trimester:
No known increased risk.
Third Trimester:
No known increased risk.
Lactation
Potassium is naturally present in breast milk. Supplementation to correct maternal deficiency is generally considered safe during breastfeeding, as long as maternal serum potassium levels are monitored and remain within the normal range.
Infant Risk:
Low risk; potassium is an essential nutrient for the infant.
Pediatric Use
Dosing is weight-based and requires careful calculation. Risk of hyperkalemia is higher in neonates and infants due to immature renal function. Close monitoring of serum potassium and renal function is essential.
Geriatric Use
Elderly patients are at increased risk for hyperkalemia due to age-related decline in renal function and potential concomitant use of medications that increase potassium (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs, potassium-sparing diuretics). Close monitoring of serum potassium and renal function is crucial.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Always take oral potassium chloride with food or immediately after a meal to minimize gastrointestinal irritation and ulceration.
- Ensure the powder is fully dissolved in at least 4 ounces of liquid before consumption to prevent esophageal irritation.
- Regular monitoring of serum potassium levels is critical, especially in patients with renal impairment, heart failure, or those taking interacting medications.
- Educate patients on symptoms of both hypokalemia (if deficiency persists) and hyperkalemia (if overdose or accumulation occurs).
- Potassium chloride is contraindicated in patients with hyperkalemia, severe renal impairment, or conditions predisposing to hyperkalemia.
Alternative Therapies
- Potassium gluconate (less concentrated, often used for milder deficiencies)
- Potassium bicarbonate (often combined with citrate, used for hypokalemia with metabolic acidosis)
- Dietary potassium intake (e.g., bananas, oranges, potatoes, leafy greens) for mild deficiencies or prevention.
- Intravenous potassium chloride (for severe or symptomatic hypokalemia, or when oral administration is not feasible).
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$10 - $50 per 30 packets (20 mEq each)
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Tier 1 (Generic)
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. 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 be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.