K-Lor

1. For the treatment of patients with hypokalemia with or without metabolic alkalosis, in digitalis intoxication, and in patients with hypokalemic familial periodic paralysis. If hypokalemia is the result of diuretic therapy, consideration should be given to the use of a lower dose of diuretic, which may be sufficient without leading to hypokalemia.
2. For the prevention of hypokalemia in patients who would be at particular risk if hypokalemia were to develop, e.g., digitalized patients or patients with significant cardiac arrhythmias.

The use of potassium salts in patients receiving diuretics for uncomplicated essential hypertension is often unnecessary when such patients have a normal dietary pattern, and when low doses of the diuretic are used. Serum potassium should be checked periodically, however, and, if hypokalemia occurs, dietary supplementation with potassium-containing foods may be adequate to control milder cases. In more severe cases, and if dose adjustment of the diuretic is ineffective or unwarranted, supplementation with potassium salts may be indicated.

K-LOR 20 mEq (Potassium Chloride for Oral Solution, USP) is supplied in cartons of 30 packets (NDC 0074-3611-01) and in cartons of 100 packets (NDC 0074-3611-02). Each packet contains potassium, 20 mEq, and chloride, 20 mEq, provided by potassium chloride, 1.5 g.

Recommended Storage: Store below 86°F (30°C).

Revised: April, 2006. Abbott Laboratories. North Chicago, IL 60064, U.S.A.

One of the most severe adverse effects is hyperkalemia (see CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS, and OVERDOSAGE).

The most common adverse reactions to oral potassium salts are nausea, vomiting, flatulence, abdominal pain/discomfort, and diarrhea. These symptoms are due to irritation of the gastrointestinal tract and are best managed by diluting the preparation further, taking the dose with meals, or reducing the amount taken at one time.

Skin rash has been reported rarely.

Potassium chloride is a prescription medication used to treat and prevent low potassium levels due to poor dietary intake, certain diseases, or other drugs.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Medications can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of potassium chloride, salt substitutes containing potassium should be avoided.

Take potassium chloride exactly as prescribed.

• This medication comes in tablet and capsule forms and may be taken multiple times a day with food and water.
• Swallow capsules and tablets whole. Do not chew or crush contents of either the tablet or capsule.
• This medication is also available in an injectable form to be given directly into a vein by a healthcare professional.
• The liquid for injection form is to be used by your hospital physician.
• For patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets whole, the tablet may be broken in half.
• For patients who have difficulty swallowing capsules whole, its contents may be sprinkled into soft food followed by a glass of water or other liquid.
• If one cannot swallow a tablet, a capsule, or half a tablet, try the following alternate methods of administration:
  • Prepare an aqueous (water) suspension as follows:
    1. Place the whole tablet or pour the capsule's contents in approximately one-half glass of water (4 fluid ounces).
    2. Allow approximately 2 minutes for the contents to dissolve.
    3. Stir for about half a minute after the contents have dissolved.
    4. Swirl the suspension and consume the entire suspension immediately by drinking or by the use of a straw.
    5. Add another one fluid ounce of water, swirl, and consume immediately.
    6. Then, add an additional one fluid ounce of water, swirl, and consume immediately.
  •  If not taken immediately, it should be discarded. The use of other liquids besides water for dissolving tablets or capsule contents is not recommended.

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses of potassium chloride at the same time.

• Store potassium chloride at room temperature.
• Keep this and all medicines out of the reach of children.

You should not use this medication if you have kidney failure, Addison's disease, severe burns or other tissue injury, if you are dehydrated, if you take certain diuretics (water pills), or if you have high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia).

Do not crush, chew, break, or suck on an extended-release tablet or capsule. Swallow the pill whole. Breaking or crushing the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Sucking on a potassium tablet can irritate your mouth or throat.

Take this medication with food or just after a meal.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested often. Your heart rate may also be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG) to measure electrical activity of the heart. This test will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with potassium. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Serious side effects of potassium include uneven heartbeat, muscle weakness or limp feeling, severe stomach pain, and numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or mouth.

Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking potassium suddenly, your condition may become worse.

Your pharmacist can provide more information about potassium chloride.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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Potassium is needed to maintain good health. Although a balanced diet usually supplies all the potassium a person needs, potassium supplements may be needed by patients who do not have enough potassium in their regular diet or have lost too much potassium because of illness or treatment with certain medicines.

There is no evidence that potassium supplements are useful in the treatment of high blood pressure.

Lack of potassium may cause muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, mood changes, or nausea and vomiting.

Injectable potassium is administered only by or under the supervision of your doctor. Some forms of oral potassium may be available in stores without a prescription. Since too much potassium may cause health problems, you should take potassium supplements only if directed by your doctor.