Epiklor

• Epic Pharma, LLC

Fruit-flavored Epiklor™ and Epiklor™/25 Powder (Potassium Chloride for Oral Solution, USP) are oral potassium supplements offered as powder for reconstitution in individual packets. Each packet of Epiklor™ powder contains potassium 20 mEq and chloride 20 mEq provided by potassium chloride 1.5 g. Each packet of Epiklor™/25 powder contains potassium 25 mEq and chloride 25 mEq provided by potassium chloride 1.875 g. Epiklor™ and Epiklor™/25 are sugar-free and saccharine-free.

Inactive ingredients: FD&C Yellow #6, sucralose, silicon dioxide, maltodextrin, citric acid and orange flavor.

The administration of oral potassium salts to persons with normal excretory mechanisms for potassium rarely causes serious hyperkalemia. However, if excretory mechanisms are impaired or if potassium is administered too rapidly intravenously, potentially fatal hyperkalemia can result (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS). It is important to recognize that hyperkalemia is usually asymptomatic and may be manifested only by an increased serum potassium concentration and characteristic electrocardiographic changes (peaking of T-waves, loss of P-wave, depression of S-T segment and prolongation of the QT interval). Late manifestations include muscle paralysis and cardiovascular collapse from cardiac arrest.

Treatment measures for hyperkalemia include the following: (1) elimination of foods and medications containing potassium and of potassium-sparing diuretics; (2) intravenous administration of 300 to 500 mL/hr of 10% dextrose solution containing 10-20 units of insulin per 1,000 mL; (3) correction of acidosis, if present, with intravenous sodium bicarbonate; (4) use of exchange resins, hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

In treating hyperkalemia, it should be recalled that in patients who have been stabilized on digitalis, too rapid a lowering of the serum potassium concentration can produce digitalis toxicity.

Applies to potassium chloride: oral tablet extended release

Other dosage forms:

• oral capsule extended release
• intravenous solution
• oral packet, oral solution

Applies to potassium chloride: compounding powder, intravenous solution, oral capsule extended release, oral granule extended release, oral liquid, oral powder for reconstitution, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release

Metabolic

Hyperkalemia can cause muscle weakness, paresthesia of the extremities, listlessness, mental confusion, flaccid paralysis, cold skin, grey pallor, peripheral vascular collapse, fall in blood pressure, paralysis, cardiac arrhythmias, and heart block. Electrocardiogram abnormalities include disappearance of the P-wave, widening and slurring of QRS complex, changes of the S-T segment, tall peaked T-waves. At extremely high concentrations (8 to 11 mmol/L) may cause death from cardiac depression, arrhythmias, or arrest.[Ref]

Frequency not reported: Hyperkalemia, hypervolemia[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting, flatulence, abdominal pain/discomfort, diarrhea, obstruction, bleeding, ulceration, perforation, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, local irritation of the mucosa
Postmarketing reports: Delayed intestinal transit[Ref]

Local

Frequency not reported: Injection site pain, injection site phlebitis, infection at injection site, venous thrombosis extending from site of injection, extravasation[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Frequency not reported: Cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac arrest[Ref]

Dermatologic

Rare (less than 0.1%): Skin rash
Frequency not reported: Urticaria, pruritus[Ref]

Other

Frequency not reported: Febrile response[Ref]

Some side effects of Epiklor may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.