Potassium Cl Micro 10meq ER Tabs
It is used to treat or prevent low potassium levels.
Drug Class
Electrolyte replacement
Pharmacologic Class
Electrolyte; Mineral supplement; Potassium salt
Pregnancy Category
Category C
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 these steps:
Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
Read all the information provided with your medication and follow the instructions carefully.
Take your medication with or immediately after a meal to help your body absorb it.
Swallow your medication with a full glass of water.
Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew, break, or crush it.
Do not suck on the tablet.
If you have trouble swallowing, consult your doctor for guidance.
Some medications can be broken in half or mixed with water. Check with your doctor to see if this is an option for your specific medication. If you can mix your medication with water:
Mix the tablet with 1/2 cup of water.
Drink the mixture immediately.
Rinse the cup with more water and drink it.
Repeat this process to ensure you take the entire dose.
Do not store the mixture for later use; take it right away.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
To keep your medication effective and safe:
Store it at room temperature, away from light.
Keep it in a dry place, such as a closet or drawer.
Do not store your medication in the bathroom.
Keep all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets.
Dispose of unused or expired medications properly.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist.
Check with your pharmacist for guidance on disposing of medications, and consider participating in a drug take-back program in your area.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose:
Take it as soon as you remember.
If it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.
Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for a missed one.
To ensure you get the most benefit from your medication, follow these steps:
Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
Read all the information provided with your medication and follow the instructions carefully.
Take your medication with or immediately after a meal to help your body absorb it.
Swallow your medication with a full glass of water.
Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew, break, or crush it.
Do not suck on the tablet.
If you have trouble swallowing, consult your doctor for guidance.
Some medications can be broken in half or mixed with water. Check with your doctor to see if this is an option for your specific medication. If you can mix your medication with water:
Mix the tablet with 1/2 cup of water.
Drink the mixture immediately.
Rinse the cup with more water and drink it.
Repeat this process to ensure you take the entire dose.
Do not store the mixture for later use; take it right away.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
To keep your medication effective and safe:
Store it at room temperature, away from light.
Keep it in a dry place, such as a closet or drawer.
Do not store your medication in the bathroom.
Keep all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets.
Dispose of unused or expired medications properly.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist.
Check with your pharmacist for guidance on disposing of medications, and consider participating in a drug take-back program in your area.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose:
Take it as soon as you remember.
If it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.
Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for a missed one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take with food or immediately after a meal to reduce stomach upset.
- Swallow extended-release tablets whole; do not crush, chew, or suck on them, as this can cause a sudden release of potassium and lead to irritation or high potassium levels.
- Do not use salt substitutes or low-sodium foods that contain potassium unless directed by your doctor.
- Report any signs of high potassium (muscle weakness, slow or irregular heartbeat, tingling) or severe stomach upset immediately.
- Maintain regular follow-up appointments for blood tests to monitor potassium levels.
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:
Prevention of hypokalemia: 20 mEq/day orally in 1-2 divided doses. Treatment of hypokalemia: 40-100 mEq/day orally in 2-5 divided doses.
Dose Range:
20 - 100 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Hypokalemia with metabolic alkalosis:
Higher doses may be required.
Digitalis toxicity with hypokalemia:
Careful titration and monitoring.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established for routine use; consult specialist.
Infant:
Prevention: 1-2 mEq/kg/day orally in 1-2 divided doses. Treatment: 2-5 mEq/kg/day orally in 2-4 divided doses (max 1 mEq/kg/dose or 40 mEq/day).
Child:
Prevention: 1-2 mEq/kg/day orally in 1-2 divided doses. Treatment: 2-5 mEq/kg/day orally in 2-4 divided doses (max 1 mEq/kg/dose or 40 mEq/day).
Adolescent:
Prevention: 20 mEq/day orally in 1-2 divided doses. Treatment: 40-100 mEq/day orally in 2-5 divided doses.
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
Use with caution; monitor serum potassium closely.
Moderate:
Reduced dose and/or frequency; monitor serum potassium closely. Avoid if possible.
Severe:
Contraindicated due to high risk of hyperkalemia.
Dialysis:
Generally contraindicated; potassium levels are managed by dialysis. May be used cautiously if patient is hypokalemic post-dialysis, under strict monitoring.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No specific adjustment needed.
Moderate:
No specific adjustment needed.
Severe:
No specific adjustment needed, but monitor for concomitant renal impairment which is common in severe liver disease.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Potassium is the principal intracellular cation and is essential for the maintenance of intracellular tonicity, nerve impulse transmission, cardiac contraction, skeletal and smooth muscle contraction, and maintenance of normal renal function. It is also involved in carbohydrate metabolism and protein synthesis. Potassium chloride supplements replace potassium deficits.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Well absorbed (approximately 90%) from the gastrointestinal tract.
Tmax:
Extended-release formulations typically have a Tmax of 4-6 hours, but can vary.
FoodEffect:
Food can delay absorption but generally does not affect the extent of absorption. Taking with food or after meals is recommended to minimize GI irritation.
Distribution:
Vd:
Approximately 0.5 L/kg (reflects total body water distribution).
ProteinBinding:
Not significantly protein bound.
CnssPenetration:
Limited
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not applicable for an electrolyte; plasma half-life is very short as it rapidly equilibrates into cells. Renal excretion is the primary determinant of potassium homeostasis.
Clearance:
Primarily renal clearance, regulated by aldosterone and acid-base balance.
ExcretionRoute:
Renal (approximately 90%), fecal (approximately 10%), and sweat (small amounts).
Unchanged:
100%
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Within hours for therapeutic effect on serum levels.
PeakEffect:
Peak serum concentration typically occurs 4-6 hours post-dose for ER formulations.
DurationOfAction:
Sustained release over 8-10 hours for ER formulations.
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
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
Signs of bowel problems, such as:
+ Black, tarry, or bloody stools
+ Fever
+ Mucus in the stools
+ Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material
+ Severe stomach pain, constipation, or diarrhea
Abdominal swelling
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, contact your doctor for advice:
Stomach pain or diarrhea
Upset stomach or vomiting
Gas
Note: Some potassium products have a wax matrix that may appear in your stool. This is a normal occurrence, indicating that the potassium has been absorbed by the body, but the wax has not.
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns, contact 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, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
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
Signs of bowel problems, such as:
+ Black, tarry, or bloody stools
+ Fever
+ Mucus in the stools
+ Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material
+ Severe stomach pain, constipation, or diarrhea
Abdominal swelling
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, contact your doctor for advice:
Stomach pain or diarrhea
Upset stomach or vomiting
Gas
Note: Some potassium products have a wax matrix that may appear in your stool. This is a normal occurrence, indicating that the potassium has been absorbed by the body, but the wax has not.
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns, contact 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 hyperkalemia (too much potassium): unusual tiredness, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling in hands/feet, slow or irregular heartbeat, confusion, shortness of breath.
- Signs of gastrointestinal irritation: severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, black/tarry stools (may indicate bleeding).
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 conditions to ensure safe treatment:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced.
High potassium levels in your blood.
If you are taking any of the following medications: Amiloride, Eplerenone, Spironolactone, or Triamterene.
Certain health conditions, including:
+ A bowel block or obstruction.
+ A slow-moving gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
+ Slow stomach emptying.
+ Heart disease accompanied by esophageal problems.
+ Use of anticholinergic medications, such as Ipratropium or Oxybutynin. If you are unsure whether any of your medications belong to this class, consult your doctor.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health problems with your doctor and pharmacist. This will help determine whether it is safe to take this medication in combination with your other treatments. 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 conditions to ensure safe treatment:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced.
High potassium levels in your blood.
If you are taking any of the following medications: Amiloride, Eplerenone, Spironolactone, or Triamterene.
Certain health conditions, including:
+ A bowel block or obstruction.
+ A slow-moving gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
+ Slow stomach emptying.
+ Heart disease accompanied by esophageal problems.
+ Use of anticholinergic medications, such as Ipratropium or Oxybutynin. If you are unsure whether any of your medications belong to this class, consult your doctor.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health problems with your doctor and pharmacist. This will help determine whether it is safe to take this medication in combination with your other treatments. 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 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 breastfeeding, notify your doctor immediately. You and your doctor will need to carefully weigh the benefits and risks of this medication to 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 breastfeeding, notify your doctor immediately. You and your doctor will need to carefully weigh the benefits and risks of this medication to you and your baby to make an informed decision.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Hyperkalemia (serum K+ > 5.5 mEq/L)
- Cardiac arrhythmias (bradycardia, heart block, asystole, ventricular fibrillation)
- Muscle weakness, flaccid paralysis
- Paresthesias
- Confusion
- Hypotension
What to Do:
Immediately discontinue potassium chloride. Administer calcium gluconate (for cardiac stability), insulin with glucose (to shift potassium into cells), sodium bicarbonate (for acidosis), and/or loop diuretics (to increase renal excretion). In severe cases, hemodialysis may be necessary. Call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) immediately.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride) in patients with impaired renal function or other risk factors for hyperkalemia.
- Eplerenone (in patients with impaired renal function or other risk factors for hyperkalemia).
Major Interactions
- ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril): Increased risk of hyperkalemia.
- Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) (e.g., losartan, valsartan, irbesartan): Increased risk of hyperkalemia.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib): May reduce renal potassium excretion, increasing hyperkalemia risk, especially in patients with renal impairment.
- Cyclosporine: Increased risk of hyperkalemia.
- Tacrolimus: Increased risk of hyperkalemia.
- Salt substitutes containing potassium: Additive effect, increased risk of hyperkalemia.
Moderate Interactions
- Beta-blockers (non-selective): May impair cellular uptake of potassium, potentially increasing serum potassium.
- Heparin: May cause hypoaldosteronism, leading to hyperkalemia.
- Digoxin: Hypokalemia can potentiate digoxin toxicity; potassium supplementation can reverse this, but hyperkalemia can also cause cardiac arrhythmias.
Minor Interactions
- Laxatives (chronic use): May increase potassium loss, potentially counteracting potassium supplementation.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Serum Potassium (K+)
Rationale: To establish baseline potassium status and guide initial dosing.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Renal Function (BUN, Creatinine, eGFR)
Rationale: To assess kidney's ability to excrete potassium, as impaired renal function significantly increases hyperkalemia risk.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Rationale: To assess for cardiac effects of hypokalemia or baseline cardiac abnormalities, especially in patients with severe hypokalemia or cardiac disease.
Timing: Prior to initiation, especially if severe hypokalemia or cardiac risk factors.
Routine Monitoring
Serum Potassium (K+)
Frequency: Initially daily or every few days until stable, then weekly to monthly depending on patient stability, renal function, and concomitant medications.
Target: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
Action Threshold: Below 3.5 mEq/L (consider dose increase); Above 5.0 mEq/L (consider dose reduction/discontinuation); Above 5.5 mEq/L (urgent intervention for hyperkalemia).
Renal Function (BUN, Creatinine)
Frequency: Periodically, especially if renal function is unstable or if patient is on interacting medications (e.g., ACEIs, ARBs, NSAIDs).
Target: Within normal limits for patient's age/baseline.
Action Threshold: Significant decline in renal function (consider dose adjustment or discontinuation of potassium).
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Frequency: As clinically indicated, especially if serum potassium is outside target range or if symptoms of hyperkalemia/hypokalemia develop.
Target: Normal sinus rhythm, absence of hyperkalemia/hypokalemia signs (e.g., peaked T waves, prolonged PR/QRS, U waves).
Action Threshold: ECG changes consistent with hyperkalemia (e.g., peaked T waves, widened QRS, absent P waves) or hypokalemia (e.g., U waves, flattened T waves).
Symptom Monitoring
- Symptoms of hyperkalemia: muscle weakness, fatigue, paresthesias, bradycardia, irregular heartbeat, confusion.
- Symptoms of hypokalemia: muscle weakness, cramps, fatigue, constipation, palpitations, irregular heartbeat.
- Gastrointestinal irritation: nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea.
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Category C. Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks. Use only if clearly needed and the benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
No specific data indicating increased risk of congenital malformations.
Second Trimester:
No specific data indicating increased risk.
Third Trimester:
No specific data indicating increased risk.
Lactation
Potassium is a normal component of breast milk. While potassium chloride is excreted into breast milk, the amount is generally not considered harmful to a healthy, full-term infant. Use with caution and monitor infant for any adverse effects.
Infant Risk:
Low risk for healthy, full-term infants. Monitor for signs of hyperkalemia if maternal doses are very high or infant has renal impairment.
Pediatric Use
Dosing is weight-based. Close monitoring of serum potassium and renal function is crucial due to higher metabolic rates and potential for rapid electrolyte shifts. Extended-release formulations may not be suitable for very young children who cannot swallow tablets whole.
Geriatric Use
Elderly patients are at increased risk for hyperkalemia due to age-related decline in renal function and increased likelihood of concomitant medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs, NSAIDs) that can elevate potassium. Initiate at lower doses and monitor serum potassium and renal function more frequently.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Always take potassium chloride extended-release tablets with food or immediately after a meal to minimize gastrointestinal irritation and ulceration.
- Do NOT crush, chew, or suck on extended-release tablets. This can lead to a rapid release of potassium, causing high local concentrations and potentially severe GI irritation or hyperkalemia.
- Monitor serum potassium levels regularly, especially when initiating therapy, changing doses, or in patients with renal impairment or those on interacting medications.
- Educate patients about symptoms of hyperkalemia (muscle weakness, fatigue, irregular heartbeat) and to seek immediate medical attention if they occur.
- Avoid concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and NSAIDs unless absolutely necessary and with very close monitoring of potassium levels.
- Consider dietary sources of potassium (e.g., bananas, oranges, potatoes, leafy greens) as an adjunct to therapy, but caution against excessive intake, especially with supplements.
Alternative Therapies
- Potassium gluconate (oral solution/tablet)
- Potassium bicarbonate (effervescent tablets)
- Potassium citrate (oral solution/tablet, also used for kidney stones)
- Dietary potassium intake (for mild hypokalemia or prevention)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
Varies widely, typically $10-$50 per 30 tablets
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Tier 1 (Generic) or Tier 2 (Preferred Brand)
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe and effective treatment, 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 for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this 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 emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.