The drug "Potassium Chloride"

The drug "Potassium Chloride" is a remedy that is intended to replenish the potassium deficiency in the body. This salt, which is either colorless or white, can be either in the form of a powder, a solution or in the form of tablets, and it is also used in the production of substances such as potassium hydrochloride and potassium carbonate.

It is potassium that is the main intracellular ion, which plays a big role in providing the regulation of various functions of the body. This element is involved in carrying out and transmitting to the innervated organs of the nerve impulse, in the process of skeletal muscle contraction, in maintaining osmotic intracellular pressure, and in many other biochemical processes. It also reduces the conductivity and excitability of the myocardium, and its presence in high doses is inhibited by automatism.

After the drug "Potassium Chloride" is ingested, approximately 70% of it is passively absorbed due to the fact that the potassium concentration is much higher in the lumen of the small intestine than in the blood. In the thick and ileum, this microelement is secreted into the lumen of the intestine, its conjugated metabolism with sodium takes place, after which about 10% is released together with bile.

Drug "Potassium Chloride" - the dosage of the drug

A single dose should not exceed 25-50 mEq of potassium, whereas a daily dose can not be higher than 50-100 mEq of potassium. The course of treatment and the frequency of taking this medication depends on the indications. If it is necessary to administer "Potassium Chloride" intravenously, the dose of the drug and the treatment regimen in each case is determined separately.

Drug Interactions

If you allow the simultaneous use of substitutes for table salt, potassium-sparing diuretics and other potassium preparations, then there is a large risk of hyperkalemia.

If there is a need for the introduction of this drug to a pregnant woman, it is necessary that the doctor assesses the expected benefit from it for the mother and the estimated risk for the fetus. When breastfeeding the baby, it is necessary to cancel the feeding before applying the drug.

Possible side effects

Symptoms of hyperkalemia are usually muscle weakness, paresthesia in the lower and upper extremities, arrhythmia, blockade of the heart and its arrest, confusion.

If the drug "Potassium chloride" is taken orally, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur. In some cases, ulcerous lesions of the stomach and small intestine may occur, they are often accompanied by bleeding and perforation, and later strictures are formed.

After intravenous administration of this medication, disorders in the functioning of the heart may develop .

Indications for use

The drug "Potassium Chloride" is prescribed in the presence of hypokalemia of any origin, including after severe vomiting or diarrhea, with polyuria and chronic renal insufficiency. It can also be caused by the administration of certain medications, can occur with glycosidic intoxication or with hypokalemic form of paroxysmal myoplegia.

Contraindications for use

The drug is not prescribed in the presence of violations of the excretory function of the kidneys, with a complete blockade of the heart. Also, it should not be used for hyperkalemia, metabolic disorders in the form of acidosis, hypovolemia with hyponatremia, in the presence of gastrointestinal diseases, which are in the stage of exacerbation, and with adrenal insufficiency.

In the substance of potassium chloride, the lethal dose is more than 5 grams, if necessary, anesthesia during surgery is sufficient for 100-150 mg of the drug. If the drug is administered intravenously and too quickly, then hyperkalemia develops, which can lead to the death of the patient. At the same time, one must know that it can develop very quickly and without manifesting external symptoms. In case of overdose, you must enter a solution of sodium chloride inside or intravenously, or intravenously from 300 to 500 milliliters of dextrose, in 1000 ml of which contains 10-20 units of insulin.