✅ Uses & Indications
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Potassium chloride extended-release tablets are indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of hypokalemia with or without metabolic alkalosis, in patients for whom dietary management with potassium-rich foods or diuretic dose reduction is insufficient. Potassium chloride extended-release tablets are potassium salt indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of hypokalemia with or without metabolic alkalosis in patients for whom dietary management with potassium-rich foods or diuretic dose reduction is insufficient. ( 1 )
📏 Dosage & Administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Monitor serum potassium and adjust dosages accordingly. ( 2.1 ) If serum potassium concentration is less than 2.5 mEq/L, use intravenous potassium instead of oral supplementation ( 2.1 ) Take with meals and with a glass of water or other liquid. Swallow tablets whole. ( 2.1 ) Treatment of hypokalemia : Typical dose range is 40-100 mEq per day in divided doses. Limit doses to 20 mEq per dose. ( 2.2 ) Prevention of hypokalemia : Typical dose is 20 mEq per day ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Monitoring and Administration If serum potassium concentration is less than 2.5 mEq/L, use intravenous potassium instead of oral supplementation. Monitoring Monitor serum potassium and adjust the dose based on serum potassium level. Monitor serum potassium periodically during maintenance therapy to ensure potassium remains in desired range. The treatment of potassium depletion, particularly in the presence of cardiac disease, renal disease, or acidosis, requires careful attention to acid-base balance, volume status, electrolytes, including magnesium, sodium, chloride, phosphate, and calcium, electrocardiograms, and the clinical status of the patient. Correct volume status, acid-base balance, and electrolyte deficits as appropriate. Administration Take potassium chloride extended-release tablets with meals and with a glass of water or other liquid. Do not take on an empty stomach because of its potential for gastric irritation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Swallow tablets whole without crushing, chewing or sucking. 2.2 Dosing Dosage must be adjusted to the individual needs of each patient. Dosages greater than 20 mEq per day should be divided such that no more than 20 mEq is given in a single dose. Treatment of hypokalemia: Typical dose range is 40-100 mEq per day. Prevention of hypokalemia: Typical dose is 20 mEq per day.
💊 Side Effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions have been identified with use of oral potassium salts. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. The most common adverse reactions to oral potassium salts are nausea, vomiting, flatulence, abdominal pain/discomfort, and diarrhea. There have been reports of hyperkalemia and of upper and lower gastrointestinal conditions including obstruction, bleeding, ulceration, perforation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Overdosage (10) ] . Skin rash has been reported rarely. Most common adverse reactions are nausea, vomiting, flatulence, abdominal pain/discomfort, and diarrhea ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC at 1-855-899-9180 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions: Can produce ulcerative and/or stenotic lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly when in prolonged contact with the gastrointestinal mucosa. Take with meals. ( 5.1 ) 5.1 Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions Solid oral dosage forms of potassium chloride can produce ulcerative and/or stenotic lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly when the drug remains in contact with the gastrointestinal mucosa for a prolonged period of time. Consider the use of liquid potassium in patients with dysphagia, swallowing disorders, or severe gastrointestinal motility disorders. If severe vomiting, abdominal pain, distention, or gastrointestinal bleeding occurs, discontinue potassium chloride extended-release tablets and consider possibility of ulceration, obstruction or perforation. Potassium chloride extended-release tablets should not be taken on an empty stomach because of its potential for gastric irritation [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] .
🔄 Drug Interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors: Monitor for hyperkalemia ( 7.2 ) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Monitor for hyperkalemia ( 7.3 ) 7.1 Triamterene and Amiloride Use with triamterene or amiloride can produce severe hyperkalemia. Avoid concomitant use [see Contraindications (4) ] . 7.2 Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Inhibitors Drugs that inhibit the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) including angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), spironolactone, eplerenone, or aliskiren produce potassium retention by inhibiting aldosterone production. Closely monitor potassium in patients receiving concomitant RAAS therapy. 7.3 Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may produce potassium retention by reducing renal synthesis of prostaglandin E and impairing the renin-angiotensin system. Closely monitor potassium in patients receiving concomitant NSAID therapy.
🚫 Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Potassium chloride is contraindicated in patients on triamterene or amiloride. Concomitant use with triamterene and amiloride ( 4 , 7.1 )
📦 Storage & Handling
Recommended Storage Store at room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].