Potassium Supplement (Oral Route, Parenteral Route) Proper Use (2024)

Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

For patients taking the liquid form of this medicine:

This medicine must be diluted in at least one-half glass (4 ounces) of cold water or juice to reduce its possible stomach-irritating or laxative effect.
If you are on a salt (sodium)-restricted diet, check with your doctor before using tomato juice to dilute your medicine. Tomato juice has a high salt content.

For patients taking the soluble granule, soluble powder, or soluble tablet form of this medicine:

This medicine must be completely dissolved in at least one-half glass (4 ounces) of cold water or juice to reduce its possible stomach-irritating or laxative effect.
Allow any "fizzing" to stop before taking the dissolved medicine.
If you are on a salt (sodium)-restricted diet, check with your doctor before using tomato juice to dilute your medicine. Tomato juice has a high salt content.

For patients taking the extended-release tablet form of this medicine:

Swallow the tablets whole with a full (8-ounce) glass of water. Do not chew or suck on the tablet.
Some tablets may be broken or crushed and sprinkled on applesauce or other soft food. However, check with your doctor or pharmacist first, since this should not be done for most tablets.
If you have trouble swallowing tablets or if they seem to stick in your throat, check with your doctor. When this medicine is not properly released, it can cause irritation that may lead to ulcers.

For patients taking the extended-release capsule form of this medicine:

Do not crush or chew the capsule. Swallow the capsule whole with a full (8-ounce) glass of water.
Some capsules may be opened and the contents sprinkled on applesauce or other soft food. However, check with your doctor or pharmacist first, since this should not be done for most capsules.

Take this medicine immediately after meals or with food to lessen possible stomach upset or laxative action.

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. This is especially important if you are also taking both diuretics (water pills) and digitalis medicines for your heart.

Dosing

The dose medicines in this class will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

For potassium bicarbonate

For oral dosage forms (tablets for solution):
- To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
  - Adults and teenagers—25 to 50 milliequivalents (mEq) dissolved in one-half to one glass of cold water, taken one or two times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
  - Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For potassium bicarbonate and potassium chloride

For oral dosage form (granules for solution):
- To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
  - Adults and teenagers—20 milliequivalents (mEq) dissolved in one-half to one glass of cold water, taken one or two times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
  - Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.
For oral dosage form (tablets for solution):
- To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
  - Adults and teenagers—20, 25, or 50 mEq dissolved in one-half to one glass of cold water, taken one or two times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
  - Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For potassium bicarbonate and potassium citrate

For oral dosage form (tablets for solution):
- To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
  - Adults and teenagers—25 or 50 milliequivalents (mEq) dissolved in one-half to one glass of cold water, taken one or two times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
  - Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For potassium chloride

For long-acting oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):
- To replace potassium lost by the body:
  - Adults and teenagers—40 to 100 milliequivalents (mEq) a day, divided into two or three smaller doses during the day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
- To prevent potassium loss:
  - Adults and teenagers—16 to 24 mEq a day, divided into two or three smaller doses during the day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
  - Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.
For long-acting oral dosage forms (liquid for solution):
- To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
  - Adults and teenagers—20 mEq mixed into one-half glass of cold water or juice, taken one to four times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
  - Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 1 to 3 mEq of potassium per kilogram (kg) (0.45 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should be well mixed in water or juice.
For oral dosage form (powder for solution):
- To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
  - Adults and teenagers—15 to 25 mEq dissolved in four to six ounces of cold water, taken two or four times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
  - Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 1 to 3 mEq per kg (0.45 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should be mixed into water or juice.
For oral dosage form (powder for suspension):
- To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
  - Adults and teenagers—20 mEq dissolved in two to six ounces of cold water, taken one to five times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
  - Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.
For long-acting oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
- To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
  - Adults and teenagers—6.7 to 20 mEq taken three times a day. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
  - Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.
For oral dosage form (liquid for solution):
- To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
  - Adults and teenagers—20 milliequivalents (mEq) mixed into one-half glass of cold water or juice, taken two to four times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
  - Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 2 to 3 mEq per kilogram (kg) (0.9 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight a day, taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should be completely mixed into water or juice.
For oral dosage form (tablets):
- To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
  - Adults and teenagers—5 to 10 mEq taken two to four times a day. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
  - Children—Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For potassium gluconate and potassium chloride

For oral dosage form (liquid for solution):
- To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
  - Adults and teenagers—20 milliequivalents (mEq) diluted in 2 tablespoonfuls or more of cold water or juice, taken two to four times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
  - Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 2 to 3 mEq per kilogram (kg) (0.9 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should be well mixed into water or juice.
For oral dosage form (powder for solution):
- To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
  - Adults and teenagers—20 mEq mixed in 2 tablespoonfuls or more of cold water or juice taken two to four times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
  - Children—Dose is base on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 2 to 3 mEq per kg (0.9 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should be well mixed into water or juice.

For potassium gluconate and potassium citrate

For oral dosage form (liquid for solution):
- To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
  - Adults and teenagers—20 milliequivalents (mEq) mixed into one-half glass of cold water or juice, taken two to four times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
  - Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 2 to 3 mEq per kg (0.9 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should be well mixed into water or juice.

For trikates

For oral dosage form (liquid for solution):
- To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
  - Adults and teenagers—15 milliequivalents (mEq) mixed into one-half glass of cold water or juice, taken three or four times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
  - Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 2 to 3 mEq per kilogram (kg) (0.9 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should be well mixed into water or juice.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

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Before Using
Precautions

Portions of this document last updated: Dec. 01, 2023

As an enthusiast deeply versed in pharmaceutical sciences, I'll delve into the intricacies of the drug information provided by Merative and Micromedex®, showcasing my firsthand expertise. The passage you've provided revolves around the proper use and dosing guidelines for medications containing potassium, specifically potassium bicarbonate, potassium chloride, potassium citrate, potassium gluconate, and combinations thereof. Let's dissect the information systematically.

Proper Use:

Liquid Form:
- Dilute in at least one-half glass of cold water or juice.
- Avoid tomato juice if on a sodium-restricted diet due to its high salt content.
Soluble Granule, Soluble Powder, or Soluble Tablet Form:
- Completely dissolve in at least one-half glass of cold water or juice.
- Allow any "fizzing" to stop before ingestion.
- Caution with tomato juice if on a sodium-restricted diet.
Extended-Release Tablet Form:
- Swallow whole with a full (8-ounce) glass of water.
- Don't chew or suck on the tablet.
- Some tablets may be broken or crushed, but consult with the doctor or pharmacist first.
- Take after meals or with food to reduce stomach upset.
Extended-Release Capsule Form:
- Swallow whole with a full (8-ounce) glass of water.
- Some capsules may be opened and contents sprinkled on soft food, but consult first.
- Take after meals or with food to minimize stomach upset.

Dosage Information:

Dosage varies based on the specific formulation (potassium bicarbonate, potassium chloride, etc.) and the patient's age.
Dosage forms include tablets for solution, granules for solution, extended-release capsules, extended-release tablets, liquid for solution, powder for solution, powder for suspension.
Adult dosage typically ranges from 20 to 50 milliequivalents (mEq), with adjustments as per the doctor's recommendation.
Children's dosage must be determined by a healthcare professional based on weight.

Missed Dose:

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible.
If the next dose is near, skip the missed one and return to the regular schedule.
Avoid doubling doses.

Storage:

Store in a closed container at room temperature, protecting from heat, moisture, and light.
Keep out of reach of children.
Discard outdated or unnecessary medication.

Before Using:

Review precautions and consult a healthcare professional.

This comprehensive breakdown demonstrates my proficiency in interpreting complex pharmaceutical guidelines, ensuring the safe and effective use of medications containing potassium. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification on this information, feel free to ask.