potassium bicarbonate/potassium citrate (Klor-Con/EF, K-Lyte, K-Lyte DS, K-Prime, Effer-K)
Classes: Electrolytes
Dosing and uses of Klor-Con/EF, K-Lyte (potassium bicarbonate/potassium citrate)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
Doses expressed as mEq of potassium
tablet for oral solution
- 10 mEq
- 20 mEq
- 25 mEq
Daily Requirements
40-100 mEq/day or 1-2 mEq/kg/day
Hypokalemia
Prevention: 10-80 mEq/day PO qDay or divided qid
Treatment: 40–100 mEq/day dissolved in at least 4 ounces (per tablet) cold water PO divided bid/qid
Divide doses so that single doses are not > 25 mEq to avoid GI adverse effects
Renal Impairment
Use in patients with chronic renal disease or any condition impairing potassium excretion requires careful monitoring
Hepatic Impairment
No dosage adjustments listed by the manufacturer
Dose Considerations
If hypokalemia is result of diuretic therapy, consider lowering diuretic dose
Proper dilution lessens the possibility of gastrointestinal irritation
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
Safety and efficacy not established
Klor-Con/EF, K-Lyte (potassium bicarbonate/potassium citrate) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Hyperkalemia
Nausea
Vomiting
Flatulence
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Diarrhea
Warnings
Contraindications
Patients with hyperkalemia
Hypersensitivity to any component of product
Concomitant use with potassium sparring diuretics or potassium supplements
Cautions
Hyperkalemia may complicate chronic renal failure, systemic acidosis, acute dehydration, extensive tissue breakdown as in severe burns, adrenal insufficiency or administration of potassium-sparing diuretics
Use caution in patients with acid/base alterations
Use caution in patients with cardiovascular disease
Use alkalinizing potassium salts in patients with hypokalemia that have metabolic acidosis concomitantly
Digitalized patients may be more susceptible to potentially life-threatening cardiac effects
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Unknown whether distributed in breast milk, caution advised
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Klor-Con/EF, K-Lyte (potassium bicarbonate/potassium citrate)
Mechanism of action
Potassium depletion occurs when rate of loss through renal excretion and/or GI tract exceeds intake
Supplementation with potassium-containing products may alleviate depletion
Potassium plays essential role in the conduction of nerve impulses in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscle; plays a role in contraction of cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscles
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Well absorbed in upper GI tract
Distribution: Cells (via active transport from extracellular fluid)
Excretion: Urine (primarily), skin, and feces
