Potassium chloride is an electrolyte indicated for the treatment or prevention of hypokalemia, which is a condition characterized by a decrease in potassium in the bloodstream.
In this way, potassium chloride replenishes the potassium ion (K+) in the blood, helping to alleviate symptoms of hypokalemia, such as muscle weakness, cramps and changes in heartbeat. See other symptoms of hypokalemia.
Potassium chloride can be found in the form of a tablet, syrup or injectable solution, and should be used under the advice of a general practitioner, nutritionist or endocrinologist, with individualized doses, according to blood tests.
What is it for
Potassium chloride is indicated for the treatment or prevention of hypokalemia, which may occur in the following situations:
- Inadequate intake of potassium in the diet, which can happen due to anorexia nervosa, chronic alcoholism or very restrictive diets. Check out the main foods rich in potassium;
- Repeated vomiting, diarrhea or excessive use of laxativeswhich can lead to loss of potassium from the gastrointestinal tract;
- Prolonged use or high doses of diuretic medicationscorticosteroids or some antibiotics, which can lead to loss of potassium in the urine;
- Hyperaldosteronism, Cushing’s syndrome, or renal tubule diseasewhich favor the loss of potassium through the kidneys;
- Acute megaloblastic anemia or familial hypokalemic paralysiswhich alter potassium transport in cells.
Furthermore, potassium chloride in the form of an injectable solution can also be indicated for the treatment of metabolic alkalosis or poisoning due to digitalis drugs, such as digoxin or digitoxin, for example.
Potassium chloride should be used with general practitioner, nutritionist or endocrinologist indication, according to the potassium levels in the blood, on an individual basis.
If you would like to see a nutritionist, make an appointment in the nearest region:
How to use
How potassium chloride is used varies according to its presentation, which includes:
1. Potassium chloride syrup
The 60 mg/mL potassium chloride syrup is found under the name “Ionclor”, and must be used orally, using the measuring cup provided in the package.
Potassium chloride syrup should only be used by adults, and the recommended dosage is:
- Treatment of hypokalemia: 25 mL of syrup (20 mEq), 2 to 5 times a day. The maximum dose per day should not exceed 250 mL of syrup (200 mEq) within 24 hours;
- Prevention of hypokalemia: 25 mL (of 20 mEq syrup) per day.
Doses of potassium chloride syrup must be individualized and indicated by the doctor according to the potassium levels in the blood test.
2. Potassium chloride tablet
The 600 mg potassium chloride tablet must be taken orally, with a glass of water, during or after a meal, to avoid stomach irritation, being found under the name “Slow K”.
The normally recommended doses of potassium chloride tablet for adults are:
- Treatment of hypokalemia: 5 to 6, or up to 12 tablets of potassium chloride 600 mg per day, corresponding to doses of 40, 50 and up to 100 mmol K+;
- Prevention of hypokalemia: 2 to 3 tablets of 600 mg of potassium chloride per day (16 to 24 mmol K+), as per medical advice.
For people with kidney or liver problems, or the elderly, doses should be monitored by a doctor due to the increased risk of hypercalcemia. Understand what hyperkalemia is.
3. Injectable potassium chloride
Injectable potassium chloride is found in different concentrations, 10%, 15% and 19.1%, used only in hospitals diluted in serum and applied directly into the vein by the nurse, under medical supervision.
Doses of injectable potassium chloride must be individualized, according to the potassium levels in the blood test, and this injectable solution may be indicated for adults or children.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects of potassium chloride are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, excess intestinal gas, stomach pain or discomfort, hives, itchy skin or rash cutaneous.
In addition, the use of potassium chloride can also cause obstruction, perforation, hemorrhage or gastrointestinal ulcers, with symptoms such as bloody or dark stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Potassium chloride can also greatly increase blood potassium levels, causing hyperkalemia, with symptoms such as weakness, tingling, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain. In these cases, you should go to the emergency room immediately. Know how to identify the symptoms of hyperkalemia.
You should also go to the emergency room as soon as possible if symptoms such as severe vomiting or stomach pain, or swelling in the stomach or belly appear.
Who shouldn’t use
Potassium chloride should not be used by people who have hyperkalemia, stomach ulcers, severe or acute kidney failure, severe dehydration or allergies to the components of the formula.
This medicine should also not be used by people with severe or complete heart block who are using digitalis medicines, such as digoxin or digitoxin.
Potassium chloride should not be used by people who use potassium-sparing diuretics, such as spironolactone, amiloride or triamterene, for example, or digitalis medicines.
During pregnancy or breastfeeding, potassium chloride should only be used under medical advice, after evaluating the benefits for the woman and possible risks for the baby.
Furthermore, potassium chloride in the form of pills or tablets should not be used by children or adolescents under 18 years of age.
