potassium chloride 1500 mg Tablet, Extended Release, 100-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
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🩺 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:
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Ask a licensed pharmacist directly — free, answered by our team.
🧪 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.
Where does this data come from?
IACT rows and label-wide narrative are kept separate; availability and product-level specificity depend on the submitted label.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 ea | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | $0.135 | $13.51 / 100 tablets |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | $0.3217 | $32.17 / 100 tablets |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · quarterly | No Part D plan price is available for this NDC in our data. | |
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 mgthis 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 | +10% |
| Potassium Chloride 1500 mg 70436-0153-01 | Slate | 100 tablets | $0.169 | AB3 | Availability likely | +25% |
| Potassium Chloride Extended-Release 1500 mg 24979-0232-01 | Upsher-Smith | 100 tablets | $0.169 | AB3 | Availability likely | +25% |
| Potassium chloride 1500 mg 72888-0076-01 | Advagen | 100 tablets | $0.169 | — | Availability likely | +25% |
| 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 mg 68382-0740-01 | Zydus | 100 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?
🗺️ Medicaid utilization & spend
💊 Medicaid utilization by pack size
📊 Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2026 (Q1)
🔬 Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Top reported reactions
Reporter sex
Serious outcomes
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📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Per unit | Per pack | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68462-0472-01 You're viewing this | 100 TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE in 1 BOTTLE (68462-472-01) | $0.1351 / ea | $13.51 | 2016-07-26 | Discontinued by firm |
| 68462-0472-05 | 500 TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE in 1 BOTTLE (68462-472-05) | $0.1351 / ea | $67.53 | 2016-07-26 | Discontinued by firm |
You're viewing the smallest of 2 pack sizes for this product.
This pack has the lowest per-ea cost of the 2 priced pack sizes ($0.1351 NADAC).
This pack accounts for about 25% of this product's recent Medicaid fills; most go to the 500 tablets pack. See all packs ↓
Pack size FAQ
What quantity is in NDC 68462-0472-01?
What is the difference between NDC 68462-0472-01 and NDC 68462-0472-05?
What NDC number is used to bill for this package of potassium chloride 1500 mg Tablet, Extended Release?
Prices are the latest CMS NADAC pharmacy acquisition cost per NDC; per-pack figures are per-unit × pack quantity, shown only when the pack is denominated in the same measure NADAC prices.
🧭 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 | — Not published for this NDC No photo available yet for this listing. |
| Inactive ingredients (structured) | — Not published for this NDC The labeler did not submit a structured excipient list, or no SPL is available. |
| NADAC pharmacy acquisition price (CMS) | ✓ Available |
| 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) | ✓ Available |
Questions about this listing
What does the discontinued status mean for this NDC?
Is the NDC printed on the package the same as the 11-digit billing NDC?
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📄 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. 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.
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The usual dietary intake of potassium by the average adult is 50 mEq to 100 mEq per day. Potassium depletion sufficient to cause hypokalemia usually requires the loss of 200 mEq or more 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 mEq to 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 20 mEq of potassium. Each potassium chloride extended-release tablet, USP 10 mEq provides 10 mEq of potassium. Potassium chloride tablets, USP 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: 1. Break the tablet in half, and take each half separately with a glass of water.
2. Prepare an aqueous (water) suspension as follows: 1. Place the whole tablet(s) in approximately 1/2 glass of water (4 fluid ounces).
2. Allow approximately 2 minutes for the tablet(s) to disintegrate. 3.
Stir for about half a minute after the tablet(s) has disintegrated. 4. Swirl the suspension and consume the entire contents of the glass immediately by drinking or by the use of a straw.
5. Add another 1 fluid ounce of water, swirl, and consume immediately. 6.
Then, add an additional 1 fluid ounce of water, swirl, and consume immediately. Aqueous suspension of potassium chloride that is not taken immediately should be discarded. The use of other liquids for suspending potassium chloride tablets, USP 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 Renin- Angiotensin Aldosterone System Inhibitors Drugs that inhibit the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) including angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), spironolactone, eplerenone, or aliskiren produce potassium retention by inhibiting aldosterone production. Closely monitor potassium in patients receiving concomitant RAAS therapy. Interaction with Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs : Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may produce potassium retention by reducing renal synthesis of prostaglandin E and impairing the renin-angiotensin system.
Closely monitor potassium in patients receiving concomitant NSAID therapy. 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 to 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 micro-encapsulated 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, obstr…
🤒 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 Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. ).
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
Pregnancy Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with potassium chloride. It is unlikely that potassium supplementation that does not lead to hyperkalemia would have an adverse effect on the fetus or would affect reproductive capacity.
🧒 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 mEq to 8 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 mEq to 12 mEq/L). Treatment measures for hyperkalemia include the following: Patients should be closely monitored for arrythmias and electrolyte changes. 1.
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. 2. Intravenous calcium gluconate if the patient is at no risk or low risk of developing digitalis toxicity.
3. Intravenous administration of 300 to 500 mL/hr of 10% dextrose solution containing 10 units to 20 units of crystalline insulin per 1,000 mL. 4.
Correction of acidosis, if present, with intravenous sodium bicarbonate. 5. 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 20 mEq are available in bottles of 100 (NDC 68462-472-01) and 500 (NDC 68462-472-05). Potassium chloride extended-release tablets, USP 20 mEq are white to off-white, capsule-shaped biconvex tablets debossed with ‘472’ on one side and scored on the other side. Potassium chloride extended-release tablets, USP 10 mEq are available in bottles of 100 (NDC 68462-471-01) and 500 (NDC 68462-471-05).
Potassium chloride extended-release tablets, USP 10 mEq are white to off-white, capsule-shaped biconvex tablets debossed with ‘471’ on one side and plain on the other side. Storage Conditions Keep tightly closed. Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].
📦 Storage and Handling ▾
Storage Conditions Keep tightly closed. Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].
📋 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, crystalline powder. It is odorless and has a saline taste. It is freely soluble in water and practically insoluble in ethanol.
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 tablets begin disintegrating into microencapsulated crystals within seconds and completely disintegrate within 1 minute. The microencapsulated crystals are formulated to provide an extended-release of potassium chloride.
This product complies with USP assay preparation 2. Inactive Ingredients: crospovidone, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose and talc.
💬 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: 1.
Break the tablet in half, and take each half separately with a glass of water. 2. Prepare an aqueous (water) suspension as follows: 1.
Place the whole tablet(s) in approximately 1/2 glass of water (4 fluid ounces). 2. Allow approximately 2 minutes for the tablet(s) to disintegrate.
3. Stir for about half a minute after the tablet(s) has disintegrated. 4.
Swirl the suspension and consume the entire contents of the glass immediately by drinking or by the use of a straw. 5. Add another 1 fluid ounce of water, swirl, and consume immediately.
6. Then, add an additional 1 fluid ounce of water, swirl, and consume immediately. Aqueous suspension of potassium chloride that is not taken immediately should be discarded.
The use of other liquids for suspending potassium chloride tablets 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.