Potassium

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.