Potassium Chloride 1500 mg Tablet, Extended Release, 500-count
Other active recalls for Potassium Chloride (different manufacturers) — 6 · tap to view
🆔 Identity & classification
Where does this data come from?
🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Potassium class.
Where does this data come from?
🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
Where does this data come from?
🩺 Clinical
Potassium is essential for the proper functioning of the heart, kidneys, muscles, nerves, and digestive system. Usually the food you eat supplies all of the potassium you need. However, certain diseases (e.g., kidney disease and gastrointestinal disease with vomiting and diarrhea) and drugs, especially diuretics ('water pills'), remove potassium from the body. Potassium supplements are taken to replace potassium losses and prevent potassium deficiency. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗- You're right that food is the first line — bananas, potatoes, and leafy greens are all rich in potassium. But sometimes diet alone isn't enough, especially if you're taking a diure...
- Why did my doctor prescribe potassium chloride? I thought potassium just came from bananas.
- Yes — always take oral tablets or capsules with a meal or right after eating. Taking them on an empty stomach can irritate or even ulcerate the lining of your stomach or intestines...
- Do I have to take it with food? What happens if I forget?
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
Some supplements/herbs that may interact with Potassium Chloride (prescription drug) — tap one for details:
Where does this data come from?
Ask a licensed pharmacist directly — free, answered by our team.
💊 What it looks like
Where does this data come from?
🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.
-
UNII OP1R32D61U
Microcrystalline cellulose is a purified form of cellulose, a natural fiber from plant sources. It acts as a binder and filler in tablets and capsules, helping hold ingredients together and give the medicine its shape and size.
-
UNII M28OL1HH48
Croscarmellose sodium is a plant-based substance derived from cellulose. It acts as a disintegrant, helping tablets and capsules break down quickly in the digestive system so the medicine can be absorbed.
-
UNII 47MLB0F1MV
Ethylcellulose is a plant-based thickening agent made from cellulose. It slows how fast the medicine dissolves, helping control drug release in the stomach and intestines.
-
UNII R75537T0T4
Hypromellose 2910 is a plant-derived thickening agent made from cellulose. It serves as a binder that holds tablet ingredients together, a film-coating for pills, and a viscosity controller in liquids.
-
UNII Q662QK8M3B
Polyethylene glycol 8000 is a synthetic polymer made from ethylene oxide. It acts as a binder and filler in tablets and capsules, helping hold ingredients together and add bulk to the medicine.
-
UNII U725QWY32X
Povidone K30 is a synthetic polymer made from petroleum. It acts as a binder to hold tablet ingredients together and as a disintegrant to help the tablet break apart in the stomach so the medicine can be absorbed.
-
UNII ETJ7Z6XBU4
Silicon dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral used as a glidant and anti-caking agent. It helps powder ingredients flow smoothly and prevents clumping during manufacturing and storage.
7 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
Where does this data come from?
ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.Inactive ingredient FAQ
Are inactive ingredients the same for every manufacturer?
Why might an inactive ingredient be missing?
Can inactive ingredients matter?
💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per each | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | Not in the retail survey — common for institutional, discontinued, or low-volume packs. | |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | No recent Medicaid claims on file for this NDC — rare and low-volume NDCs are suppressed in the public data. | |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 | $0.2295 | $114.75 / 500 tablets |
Where does this data come from?
🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potassium Chloride 1500 mg 00832-5325-10 | Upsher-SmithLaboratories, | 1000 tablets | $0.135 | AB1 | Availability likely | — |
| Potassium Chloride 1500 mg 00904-7293-61 | Major | 1 tablet | $0.135 | — | Availability likely | — |
| Potassium Chloride 20 meq 00904-7548-61 | Major | 1 tablet | $0.135 | AB1 | Availability likely | — |
| Potassium Chloride 1500 mg 31722-0135-01 | Camber | 100 tablets | $0.135 | AB1 | Availability likely | — |
| Potassium Chloride 20 meq 60687-0756-09 | American | 1 tablet | $0.135 | AB1 | Availability likely | — |
| Potassium Chloride 20 meq 62037-0720-01 | Actavis | 100 tablets | $0.135 | AB1 | Availability likely | — |
| Potassium Chloride 20 meq 63304-0987-01 | Sun | 100 tablets | $0.135 | AB1 | Availability likely | — |
| Potassium Chloride Extended-release 1500 mg 68001-0567-00 | Bluepoint | 100 tablets | $0.135 | AB1 | Availability likely | — |
| potassium chloride 1500 mg 68462-0472-01 | Glenmark | 100 tablets | $0.135 | AB1 | Discontinued | — |
| Potassium Chloride Extended-release 1500 mg 70010-0135-01 | Granules | 100 tablets | $0.135 | AB1 | Availability likely | — |
| potassium chloride 1500 mg 72603-0338-01 | Northstar | 100 tablets | $0.135 | AB1 | Availability likely | — |
| Klor-Con M 1500 mg 00245-5319-01 | Upsher-Smith | 1 tablet | $0.148 | AB1 | Availability likely | — |
| Potassium Chloride 1500 mg 70436-0153-01 | Slate | 100 tablets | $0.169 | AB3 | Availability likely | — |
| Potassium Chloride Extended-Release 1500 mg 24979-0232-01 | Upsher-Smith | 100 tablets | $0.169 | AB3 | Availability likely | — |
| Potassium chloride 1500 mg 72888-0076-01 | Advagen | 100 tablets | $0.169 | — | Availability likely | — |
| Potassium Chloride Extended-Release 1500 mg 00615-8400-05 | NCS | 15 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride Extended-release 1500 mg 17856-1135-01 | Atlantic | 1 tablet | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride 1500 mg 42291-0507-01 | AvKARE | 100 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride 20 meq 43386-0917-01 | Lupin | 100 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride 1500 mg 43547-0550-10 | Solco | 100 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| potassium chloride 1500 mg 50090-3700-00 | A-S | 30 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride 1500 mg 50090-5665-00 | A-S | 30 tablets | — | — | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride 1500 mg 50090-6253-00 | A-S | 30 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride 1500 mg 50090-6866-00 | A-S | 30 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride 1500 mg 50090-6867-00 | A-S | 90 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride Extended-release 1500 mg 50090-7192-00 | A-S | 30 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride Extended-release 1500 mg 50090-7193-00 | A-S | 90 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| potassium chloride 1500 mg 50090-7456-00 | A-S | 90 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride 1500 mg 50090-7616-00 | A-S | 90 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride 1500 mg 51655-0568-25 | Northwind | 60 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Klor-Con M 1500 mg 55154-5634-00 | Cardinal | 1 tablet | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride 1500 mg 59651-0431-01 | Aurobindo | 100 tablets | — | — | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride Extended-release 1500 mg 62207-0727-08 | Granules | 800 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| potassium chloride 1500 mg 67296-2131-02 | Redpharm | 20 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride Extended-release 1500 mg 67296-2160-01 | Redpharm | 10 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride 1500 mg 67296-2243-06 | Redpharm | 30 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride 1500 mgthis 68382-0740-05 | Zydus | 500 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride Extended-release 1500 mg 68788-8196-03 | Preferred | 30 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride Extended-release 1500 mg 70518-4383-00 | REMEDYREPACK | 30 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride 1500 mg 70771-1600-00 | Zydus | 1000 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride Extended-release 1500 mg 71205-0824-03 | Proficient | 3 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| potassium chloride 1500 mg 71335-1109-01 | Bryant | 30 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride 1500 mg 71335-1747-01 | Bryant | 30 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride Extended-release 1500 mg 71335-1896-01 | Bryant | 30 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride 1500 mg 71335-2045-01 | Bryant | 30 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride 1500 mg 71610-0343-15 | Aphena | 15 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride 1500 mg 71610-0632-15 | Aphena | 15 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride ER 1500 mg 72189-0462-30 | Direct_Rx | 30 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride ER 1500 mg 72189-0629-30 | Direct_Rx | 30 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride 20 meq 72789-0365-01 | PD-Rx | 100 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride 1500 mg 72865-0196-01 | XLCare | 100 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride 1500 mg 72888-0099-00 | Advagen | 1000 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride 20 meq 82804-0075-03 | Proficient | 3 tablets | — | AB1 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium chloride 1500 mg 72789-0504-82 | PD-Rx | 500 tablets | — | — | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride Extended-Release 1500 mg 82804-0057-30 | Proficient | 30 tablets | — | AB3 | FDA listed | — |
| Potassium Chloride 1500 mg 00615-8580-05 | NCS | 15 tablets | — | AB3 | FDA listed | — |
Where does this data come from?
⏳ Availability & generic status
This product is an FDA-approved generic. Other versions of the same drug are listed under Therapeutic equivalents, least expensive first.
Where does this data come from?
📊 Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2026 (Q1)
🔬 Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Top reported reactions
Reporter sex
Serious outcomes
Where does this data come from?
📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 68382-0740-01 | 100 TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE in 1 BOTTLE (68382-740-01) | 2022-02-03 | Active |
| 68382-0740-05 You're viewing this | 500 TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE in 1 BOTTLE (68382-740-05) | 2022-02-03 | Active |
| 68382-0740-10 | 1000 TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE in 1 BOTTLE (68382-740-10) | 2022-02-03 | Active |
You're viewing one of 3 pack sizes for this product.
Pack size FAQ
What quantity is in NDC 68382-0740-05?
What is the difference between NDC 68382-0740-05 and NDC 68382-0740-01?
What NDC number is used to bill for this package of Potassium Chloride 1500 mg Tablet, Extended Release?
🧭 About this NDC listing & data coverage
What data is (and isn’t) available for this NDC — tap to expand
| NDC identity (package / product / labeler codes) | ✓ Available |
| Labeler | ✓ Available |
| Product & package description | ✓ Available |
| Marketing category & status | ✓ Available |
| Active ingredient / dosage form / route | ✓ Available |
| FDA label (SPL via DailyMed) | ✓ Available |
| Package photos | ✓ Available |
| Inactive ingredients (structured) | ✓ Available |
| NADAC pharmacy acquisition price (CMS) | — Not published for this NDC CMS publishes NADAC only for NDCs reported in its retail-pharmacy survey. |
| Orange Book / therapeutic-equivalence data | ✓ Available |
| HCPCS J-code billing crosswalk | — Not published for this NDC Most self-administered / retail products have no J-code — that is normal. |
| Medicaid utilization (CMS SDUD) | — Not published for this NDC CMS reports utilization only for NDCs with Medicaid claims above its privacy threshold. |
Questions about this listing
Why is there no price listed?
Is the NDC printed on the package the same as the 11-digit billing NDC?
What do the three segments of this NDC mean?
Is this package still being marketed?
Does this product come in other package sizes?
Who lists this product with the FDA?
Do I need a prescription for this product?
Where does this data come from?
📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
INDICATIONS AND USAGE BECAUSE OF REPORTS OF INTESTINAL AND GASTRIC ULCERATION AND BLEEDING WITH CONTROLLED-RELEASE POTASSIUM CHLORIDE PREPARATIONS, THESE DRUGS SHOULD BE RESERVED FOR THOSE PATIENTS WHO CANNOT TOLERATE OR REFUSE TO TAKE LIQUID OR EFFERVESCENT POTASSIUM PREPARATIONS OR FOR PATIENTS IN WHOM THERE IS A PROBLEM OF COMPLIANCE WITH THESE PREPARATIONS. 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. 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.
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The usual dietary intake of potassium by the average adult is 50 to 100 mEq per day. Potassium depletion sufficient to cause hypokalemia usually requires the loss of 200 or more mEq of potassium from the total body store. Dosage must be adjusted to the individual needs of each patient.
The dose for the prevention of hypokalemia is typically in the range of 20 mEq per day. Doses of 40-100 mEq per day or more are used for the treatment of potassium depletion. Dosage should be divided if more than 20 mEq per day is given such that no more than 20 mEq is given in a single dose.
Each Potassium chloride extended-release tablet, USP 20 mEq provides 1500 mg of potassium chloride equivalent to 20 mEq of potassium. Each Potassium chloride extended-release tablet, USP 10 mEq provides 750 mg of potassium chloride equivalent to 10 mEq of potassium. Potassium chloride extended-release tablets should be taken with meals and with a glass of water or other liquid.
This product should not be taken on an empty stomach because of its potential for gastric irritation (see WARNINGS ). Patients having difficulty swallowing whole tablets may try one of the following alternate methods of administration: Break the tablet in half, and take each half separately with a glass of water. Prepare an aqueous (water) suspension as follows: Place the whole tablet(s) in approximately one-half glass of water (4 fluid ounces).
Allow approximately 2 minutes for the tablet(s) to disintegrate. Stir for about half a minute after the tablet(s) has disintegrated. Swirl the suspension and consume the entire contents of the glass immediately by drinking or by the use of a straw.
Add another one fluid ounce of water, swirl, and consume immediately. Then, add an additional one fluid ounce of water, swirl, and consume immediately. Aqueous suspension of potassium chloride extended-release tablet that is not taken immediately should be discarded.
The use of other liquids for suspending potassium chloride extended-release tablet is not recommended.
⛔ Contraindications ▾
CONTRAINDICATIONS Potassium supplements are contraindicated in patients with hyperkalemia since a further increase in serum potassium concentration in such patients can produce cardiac arrest. Hyperkalemia may complicate any of the following conditions: chronic renal failure, systemic acidosis, such as diabetic acidosis, acute dehydration, extensive tissue breakdown as in severe burns, adrenal insufficiency, or the administration of a potassium-sparing diuretic (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride) (see OVERDOSAGE ).
Controlled-release formulations of potassium chloride have produced esophageal ulceration in certain cardiac patients with esophageal compression due to enlarged left atrium. Potassium supplementation, when indicated in such patients, should be given as a liquid preparation or as an aqueous (water) suspension of potassium chloride (see PRECAUTIONS: Information for Patients , and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION sections). All solid oral dosage forms of potassium chloride are contraindicated in any patient in whom there is structural, pathological (e.g., diabetic gastroparesis), or pharmacologic (use of anticholinergic agents or other agents with anticholinergic properties at sufficient doses to exert anticholinergic effects) cause for arrest or delay in tablet passage through the gastrointestinal tract.
⚠️ Warnings ▾
WARNINGS Hyperkalemia (see OVERDOSAGE) In patients with impaired mechanisms for excreting potassium, the administration of potassium salts can produce hyperkalemia and cardiac arrest. This occurs most commonly in patients given potassium by the intravenous route but may also occur in patients given potassium orally. Potentially fatal hyperkalemia can develop rapidly and be asymptomatic.
The use of potassium salts in patients with chronic renal disease, or any other condition which impairs potassium excretion, requires particularly careful monitoring of the serum potassium concentration and appropriate dosage adjustment. Interaction with Potassium-Sparing Diuretics Hypokalemia should not be treated by the concomitant administration of potassium salts and a potassium-sparing diuretic (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene, or amiloride) since the simultaneous administration of these agents can produce severe hyperkalemia.
Interaction with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (e.g., captopril, enalapril) will produce some potassium retention by inhibiting aldosterone production. Potassium supplements should be given to patients receiving ACE inhibitors only with close monitoring. Gastrointestinal Lesions Solid oral dosage forms of potassium chloride can produce ulcerative and/or stenotic lesions of the gastrointestinal tract.
Based on spontaneous adverse reaction reports, enteric-coated preparations of potassium chloride are associated with an increased frequency of small bowel lesions (40-50 per 100,000 patient years) compared to sustained release wax matrix formulations (less than one per 100,000 patient years). Because of the lack of extensive marketing experience with microencapsulated products, a comparison between such products and wax matrix or enteric-coated products is not available. Potassium chloride is a tablet formulated to provide a controlled rate of release of microencapsulated potassium chloride and thus to minimize the possibility of a high local concentration of potassium near the gastrointestinal wall.
Prospective trials have been conducted in normal human volunteers in which the upper gastrointestinal tract was evaluated by endoscopic inspection before and after 1 week of solid oral potassium chloride therapy. The ability of this model to predict events occurring in usual clinical practice is unknown. Trials which approximated usual clinical practice did not reveal any clear differences between the wax matrix and microencapsulated dosage forms.
In contrast, there was a higher incidence of gastric and duodenal lesions in subjects receiving a high dose of a wax matrix controlled-release formulation under conditions which did not resemble usual or recommended clinical practice (i.e., 96 mEq per day in divided doses of potassium chloride administered to fasted patients, in the presence of an anticholinergic drug to delay gastric emptying). The upper gastrointestinal lesions observed by endoscopy were asymptomatic and were not accompanied by evidence of bleeding (Hemoccult testing).
The relevance of these findings to the usual conditions (i.e., non-fasting, no anticholinergic agent, smaller doses) under which controlled-release potassium chloride products are used is uncertain; epidemiologic studies have not identified an elevated risk, compared to microencapsulated products, for upper gastrointestinal lesions in patients receiving wax matrix formulations. Potassium chloride extended-release tablets should be discontinued immediately and the possibility of ulceration, obstruction, or perforation should be considered if severe vomiting, abdominal pain, distention, or gastrointestinal bleeding occurs.
Metabolic Acidosis Hypokalemia in patients with metabolic acidosis should be treated with an alkalinizing potassium salt such as potassium bicarbonate, potassium citrate, potassium acetate, or potassium gluconate.
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
ADVERSE REACTIONS One of the most severe adverse effects is hyperkalemia (see CONTRAINDICATIONS , WARNINGS , and OVERDOSAGE ). There have also been reports of upper and lower gastrointestinal conditions including obstruction, bleeding, ulceration, and perforation (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS ). 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.
🔄 Drug Interactions ▾
Drug Interactions Potassium-sparing diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (see WARNINGS ).
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
🧓 Geriatric Use ▾
Geriatric Use Clinical studies of Potassium Chloride did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection; and it may be useful to monitor renal function.
🆘 Overdosage ▾
OVERDOSAGE 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 (6.5-8.0 mEq/L) and characteristic electrocardiographic changes (peaking of T-waves, loss of P-waves, depression of S-T segment, and prolongation of the QT-interval).
Late manifestations include muscle paralysis and cardiovascular collapse from cardiac arrest (9-12 mEq/L). Treatment measures for hyperkalemia include the following: Patients should be closely monitored for arrythmias and electrolyte changes. Elimination of foods and medications containing potassium and of any agents with potassium-sparing properties such as potassium-sparing diuretics, ARBS, ACE inhibitors, NSAIDS, certain nutritional supplements and many others.
Intravenous calcium gluconate if the patient is at no risk or low risk of developing digitalis toxicity. Intravenous administration of 300 to 500 mL/hr of 10% dextrose solution containing 10-20 units of crystalline insulin per 1,000 mL. Correction of acidosis, if present, with intravenous sodium bicarbonate.
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. The extended-release feature means that absorption and toxic effects may be delayed for hours.
Consider standard measures to remove any unabsorbed drug.
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY The potassium ion is the principal intracellular cation of most body tissues. Potassium ions participate in a number of essential physiological processes including the maintenance of intracellular tonicity; the transmission of nerve impulses; the contraction of cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle; and the maintenance of normal renal function. The intracellular concentration of potassium is approximately 150 to 160 mEq per liter.
The normal adult plasma concentration is 3.5 to 5 mEq per liter. An active ion transport system maintains this gradient across the plasma membrane. Potassium is a normal dietary constituent and under steady-state conditions the amount of potassium absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract is equal to the amount excreted in the urine.
The usual dietary intake of potassium is 50 to 100 mEq per day. Potassium depletion will occur whenever the rate of potassium loss through renal excretion and/or loss from the gastrointestinal tract exceeds the rate of potassium intake. Such depletion usually develops as a consequence of therapy with diuretics, primary or secondary hyperaldosteronism, diabetic ketoacidosis, or inadequate replacement of potassium in patients on prolonged parenteral nutrition.
Depletion can develop rapidly with severe diarrhea, especially if associated with vomiting. Potassium depletion due to these causes is usually accompanied by a concomitant loss of chloride and is manifested by hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. Potassium depletion may produce weakness, fatigue, disturbances or cardiac rhythm (primarily ectopic beats), prominent U-waves in the electrocardiogram, and in advanced cases, flaccid paralysis and/or impaired ability to concentrate urine.
If potassium depletion associated with metabolic alkalosis cannot be managed by correcting the fundamental cause of the deficiency, e.g., where the patient requires long-term diuretic therapy, supplemental potassium in the form of high-potassium food or potassium chloride may be able to restore normal potassium levels. In rare circumstances (e.g., patients with renal tubular acidosis) potassium depletion may be associated with metabolic acidosis and hyperchloremia. In such patients potassium replacement should be accomplished with potassium salts other than the chloride, such as potassium bicarbonate, potassium citrate, potassium acetate, or potassium gluconate.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
HOW SUPPLIED Potassium Chloride Extended-release Tablets, USP 10 mEq are white to off-white colored, capsule shaped, biconvex uncoated tablets debossed with "KCl 10" on one side and plain on the other side and are supplied as follows: NDC 68382-861-01 in bottle of 100 tablets NDC 68382-861-10 in bottle of 1000 tablets Potassium Chloride Extended-release Tablets, USP 20 mEq are white to off-white colored, capsule shaped, biconvex uncoated tablets debossed with "KCl" and "20" on either side of break line and plain on the other side and are supplied as follows: NDC 68382-740-01 in bottle of 100 tablets NDC 68382-740-05 in bottle of 500 tablets NDC 68382-740-10 in bottle of 1000 tablets Keep tightly closed.
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
📋 Description ▾
DESCRIPTION The Potassium Chloride Extended-release Tablets, USP 20 mEq product is an immediately dispersing extended release oral dosage form of potassium chloride containing 1500 mg of microencapsulated potassium chloride, USP equivalent to 20 mEq of potassium in a tablet. The Potassium Chloride Extended-release Tablets, USP 10 mEq product is an immediately dispersing extended release oral dosage form of potassium chloride containing 750 mg of microencapsulated potassium chloride, USP equivalent to 10 mEq of potassium in a tablet.
These formulations are intended to slow the release of potassium so that the likelihood of a high localized concentration of potassium chloride within the gastrointestinal tract is reduced. Potassium chloride is an electrolyte replenisher. The chemical name of the active ingredient is potassium chloride, and the structural formula is KCl.
Potassium chloride, USP occurs as a white, granular powder or as colorless crystals. It is odorless and has a saline taste. Its solutions are neutral to litmus.
It is freely soluble in water and insoluble in alcohol. Potassium chloride is a tablet formulation (not enteric coated or wax matrix) containing individually microencapsulated potassium chloride crystals which disperse upon tablet disintegration. In simulated gastric fluid at 37°C and in the absence of outside agitation, potassium chloride extended-release tablets begin disintegrating into microencapsulated crystals within seconds and completely disintegrate within one minute.
The microencapsulated crystals are formulated to provide an extended release of potassium chloride. Inactive Ingredients: Colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, ethylcellulose, hyrpromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol and povidone. USP Assay preparation is pending.
💬 Information for Patients ▾
Information for Patients Physicians should consider reminding the patient of the following: To take each dose with meals and with a full glass of water or other liquid. To take each dose without crushing, chewing, or sucking the tablets. If those patients are having difficulty swallowing whole tablets, they may try one of the following alternate methods of administration: Break the tablet in half, and take each half separately with a glass of water.
Prepare an aqueous (water) suspension as follows: Place the whole tablet(s) in approximately one-half glass of water (4 fluid ounces). Allow approximately 2 minutes for the tablet(s) to disintegrate. Stir for about half a minute after the tablet(s) has disintegrated.
Swirl the suspension and consume the entire contents of the glass immediately by drinking or by the use of a straw. Add another one fluid ounce of water, swirl, and consume immediately. Then, add an additional one fluid ounce of water, swirl, and consume immediately.
Aqueous suspension of potassium chloride extended-release tablet that is not taken immediately should be discarded. The use of other liquids for suspending potassium chloride extended-release tablet is not recommended. To take this medicine following the frequency and amount prescribed by the physician.
This is especially important if the patient is also taking diuretics and/or digitalis preparations. To check with the physician at once if tarry stools or other evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding is noticed.