Potassium chloride: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Potassium Chloride What Medicine?

What is potassium chloride for?

Potassium chloride is a supplement drug to treat or prevent hypokalemia (potassium deficiency).

Normal blood levels of potassium range from 3.5 to 5 mEq (milliequivalent) / L (liter). You are declared to have a potassium deficiency if the potassium level in the blood is less than 3.5 mEq / L.

Potassium or also known as potassium is an important mineral known as an electrolyte. These electrolytes help cells, kidneys, heart, muscles, and nerves function properly.

To make sure the potassium level in your body is normal or not, consult a doctor directly. Usually the doctor will recommend the patient to do some laboratory tests such as blood tests, urine tests, and EKG tests.

Some medical conditions can reduce potassium levels in the body as a side effect, such as chronic diarrhea, persistent vomiting, to hormone problems such as hyperaldosteronism. Taking diuretic medicines or better known as "water pills" can also cause the potassium levels in the body to decrease.

In addition, some people may not be able to meet their daily intake of potassium through food, resulting in low potassium levels in the body.

How is potassium chloride used?

Here are some rules for using potassium chloride that you need to know.

Take the whole medication

Do not crush, chew, or inhale large capsules or tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.

Also, do not break large tablets unless they have a dividing line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so.

In essence, swallow the drug whole. If you have difficulty swallowing the capsules, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some brands can be opened and the contents sprinkled on a dollop of soft food such as applesauce or pudding.

Don't use a regular tablespoon

Meanwhile, if the doctor gives this drug in liquid form, do not use a regular spoon or glass.

Use a dropper, medicine spoon, or measuring cup that is usually included in the package. If both are not available, do not hesitate to ask the pharmacist or doctor directly.

Time to take medicine

This medicine must be taken after meals. Drink a glass of water afterward to make sure you swallow all the medicine. Try not to lie down for 10 minutes after taking this medicine.

Use this remedy regularly for optimal benefits. So that you don't forget, take this medicine at the same time every day.

If at any time you forget to take this medicine and the next interval for consumption is still far away, it is advisable to do so as soon as you remember. Meanwhile, if the time lag is near, ignore it and don't try to double the dose.

Drink according to the recommended dosage

Do not add or reduce doses of medication without your doctor's knowledge. Taking medication that is not according to the rules can increase the risk of side effects.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use it more often than prescribed.

Don't give drugs to other people

Do not give this medicine to other people even if they have symptoms similar to yours. As mentioned earlier, the dosage is adjusted according to the patient's health condition and how their body responds to treatment.

Take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. Follow all the instructions for using the medicine listed on the prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets carefully. Don't hesitate to ask a doctor if you don't really understand how to use it.

Finally, do not hesitate to seek medical attention immediately if your condition does not improve or is getting worse. If you have any questions, you should also immediately consult a doctor.

How to store potassium chloride?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules.

Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Potassium Chloride Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of potassium chloride for adults?

Dosage for potassium deficiency

• Infusion fluids: dose and rate of administration depending on the condition of each patient. If the potassium level in the blood is 2.5 mEq / L or more, give it less than 10 milliequivalent (mEq) per hour. The maximum dose is 200 mEq per hour. Must be diluted before giving. The concentration does not exceed 40 mEq / L
• Tablets: 40-100 mEq per day divided into 2-5 equal doses.

Dosage to overcome prevent potassium deficiency

• Infusion fluids: dose and rate of administration depending on the condition of each patient. If the potassium level in the blood is 2.5 mEq / L or more, give it less than 10 milliequivalent (mEq) per hour. The maximum dose is 200 mEq per hour. Must be diluted before giving. The concentration does not exceed 40 mEq / L
• Tablets: 10-20 mEq orally once a day given in divided doses.

In principle, the dosage of the drug for each person may be different. Doctors usually determine the appropriate drug dose based on the level of potassium in the blood and electrocardiographic examination.

Be sure to always consult a doctor before taking any type of medication. This is solely to ensure that you are taking the drug according to the recommended dosage.

What is the dose of potassium chloride for children?

Dosage for treating hypokalemia in children

• Oral solution: 2 mEq per kg to 4 mEq per kg in divided doses. The maximum daily dose is 100 mEq.
• Infusion: dose and rate of administration depending on the condition of each patient. If the potassium level in the blood is 2.5 mEq / L or more, give it less than 10 milliequivalent (mEq) per hour. The maximum dose is 200 mEq per hour. Must be diluted before giving. The concentration does not exceed 40 mEq / L

Dosage to prevent hypokalemia in children

• Oral solution: initial dose 1 mEg / kg / day. The maximum dose is 3 m3q / kg / day.
• Infusion: dose and rate of administration depending on the condition of each patient. If the potassium level in the blood is 2.5 mEq / L or more, give it less than 10 milliequivalent (mEq) per hour. The maximum dose is 200 mEq per hour. Must be diluted before giving. The concentration does not exceed 40 mEq / L

In what dosage is potassium chloride available?

This medicinal supplement is available in the form of tablets and intravenous fluids.

Potassium Chloride side effects

What are the side effects of potassium chloride?

Just like drugs in general, this one supplement drug also has the potential to cause side effects from mild to severe.

Some of the most common side effects of clroid potassium after ingestion are:

• Stomach ache
• Nausea
• Gag
• Diarrhea
• Bloated or bloated stomach
• Pain when swallowing
• The feces contains the rest of the tablet casing that is not contaminated by the body

Stop using potassium chloride and call your doctor if you have any of the following serious side effects:

• Confusion, anxiety, feeling like you might pass out
• Heart beats fast
• Irregular heartbeat
• Often feel thirsty and want to urinate
• Discomfort in the legs
• The body is weak, lethargic, and weak
• Numbness or tingling feeling in the hands or feet, or around the mouth
• Severe stomach pain accompanied by persistent diarrhea or vomiting
• The discoloration of the stool becomes darker
• Coughing up blood or vomiting that looks like coffee grounds

You should also seek emergency medical help immediately if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction. A severe allergic reaction can include nausea, vomiting, sweating, hives all over your body, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or feeling like you might pass out.

Not everyone experiences the above side effects. There may also be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Potassium Chloride Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using potassium chloride?

In order for this one supplement drug to provide maximum benefits, you need to know a few things before taking it:

Allergy

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergies. This product may contain active ingredients, which can cause severe allergic reactions or other problems.

Please ask directly to the doctor for more detailed information.

History of certain diseases

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist about your actual condition. This includes if you have or are currently having diseases such as:

• Levels of potassium in the blood that are too high (hyperkalemia)
• Kidney disease and black disease
• Diabetes
• Severe dehydration
• Heart disease
• Adrenal gland disorders
• Gastric or intestinal bleeding
• Blockage in the stomach or intestines
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Large tissue injury such as a severe burn
• Chronic diarrhea
• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn's disease

Certain drugs

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, and herbal products).

You should also tell your doctor if you have recently been taking other potassium supplements. Because, too much potassium can cause serious side effects.

Periodic checks

To determine the level of potassium in the blood, you may need to do periodic checks.

Usually the doctor will recommend the patient to do some laboratory tests such as blood tests, urine tests, and electrocardiograph (EKG) tests. An EKG exam aims to measure the electrical activity in the heart. The results of the EKG examination help the doctor determine the duration of treatment that the patient will undergo.

Watch your food intake

Your doctor can design a diet that suits your condition. Maybe there will be some foods that you should avoid so that treatment can run more optimally.

Pregnant and breastfeeding

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Is potassium chloride safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

Potassium chloride is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, or the equivalent of the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) in Indonesia.

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Potassium Chloride Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with potassium chloride?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document.

Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Hypokalemia should not be treated with potassium salts and potassium diuretics, for example, spironolactone, triamterene, or amiloride. The reason is that the simultaneous administration of these products can actually produce severe hyperkalemia.

This drug should also not be given to patients who are taking angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor class of drugs such as captopril and enalapril will produce some potassium retention by inhibiting aldosterone production.

Potassium supplements may be given to patients who are routinely taking ACE inhibitor drugs, but with a note that they must be under close supervision by a doctor.

Can food or alcohol interact with potassium chloride?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur.

Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with potassium chloride?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially:

• Levels of potassium in the blood that are too high (hyperkalemia)
• Kidney illness
• Cirrhosis or other liver disease
• Adrenal gland disorders
• Large tissue injury such as a severe burn
• Severe dehydration
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Gastric or intestinal bleeding
• Blockage in the stomach or intestines
• Chronic diarrhea (such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease)

Potassium Chloride overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.