POTASSIUM

1. Name & class of drug – generic and trade name.

GENERIC NAME: Potassium chloride, potassium gluconate

BRAND NAME: Apo-K, K-10, Kalium Durules, Kaochlor, Kaon-Cl, Kato, Kay Ciel, KCl 5% and 20%, Klor-Con, Klorvess,
K-lyte/Cl, K-tab, Rum-K, Kaylixir,
CLASSIFICATION: electrolytic and water balance agent, replacement solutions

2. Dose range and routes for adult & geriatric client.

PREPARATIONS: PO – (6.7, 8, 10, 20) mEq, tablets, (500, 595) mg tablets, (20, 25, 50) mEq effervescent tablets, (20, 40,
45) mEq/15ml liquid, (15,20, 25) mEq powder,
INJECTION – 2 mEg/ml, (10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 90) mEq vials

DOSING: Hypokalemia – PO, 10-100 mEg/d in divided doses

IV, 10-40 mEq/h diluted to at least 10-20 mEq/100ml of sol’n (max: 200-400 mEq/d)

3. Purpose prescribed. Underline reason your client is prescribed drug.

THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS: given special importance as therapeutic agents, but may be dangerous if improperly Rx and admin
Utilized for Tx of hypokalemia

USES: prevent and treat potassium deficit secondary to diuretic or corticosteroid therapy. When K+ is depleted by severe
Vomiting, diarrhea; intestinal drainage, fistulas or malabsorption, prolonged diuresis, diabetic acidosis. Effective in
Tx of hypokalemic alkalosis.

4. Major side effects & drug interactions.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: K+ sparing diuretics, angiothensinconverting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors may cause hyperkalemia.

SIDE EFFECTS: N/V, ECG changes in hyperkalemia,

5. Nursing Implications & teaching.

• Tablet carcass may appear in stool, do not be alarmed. Sustained release tablet utilized a wax matix as carrier for KCl
crystals that passes through the digestive system
• Learn about sources of K+ with special reference to foods and OTC drugs
• Avoid licorice, large amounts cause both hypokalemia and Na+ retention
• Do not use salt substitute unless specifically ordered by Dr. these contain substantial amount of K+, and electrolytes
other than Na+
• Do not self prescribe laxatives. Chronic laxative use has been associated with diarrhea-induced K+ loss
• Notify Dr of persistent vomiting because losses of K+ can occur
• Report weakness, fatigue, polyuria, polydipsia: could be signs of K+ deficit
• Advice dentist or new Dr that K+ has been prescribed as long-term maintenance program
• Do not open foil-wrapped powders and tablets before use.