RENAL + GU: POTASSIUM, ORAL

Question 1

POTASSIUM, ORAL: INDICATIONS

Answer 1

• Treatment and prevention of potassium depletion. This is usually evident from a low serum potassium concentration (hypokalaemia)

Question 2

POTASSIUM, ORAL: MOA

Answer 2

• Hypokalaemia is usually, although not always, due to potassium depletion
• This may be because of, for example, diarrhoea, vomiting, or secondary hyperaldosteronism. Potassium supplementation may restore normal potassium balance in this scenario.

Question 3

POTASSIUM, ORAL: ADVERSE EFFECTS

Answer 3

• Unpalatable and can cause GI disturbance (nausea, vomiting, pain, diarrhoea, flatulence)
• Modified-release preparations may be better tolerated, can cause GI obstruction, ulceration and bleeding
• Overtx can cause hyperkalaemia and resultant risk of arrhythmias

Question 4

POTASSIUM, ORAL: WARNINGS

Answer 4

• Renal impairment and severe renal impairment

Question 5

POTASSIUM, ORAL: INTERACTIONS

Answer 5

• Potassium-elevating drugs
• intravenous potassium chloride, aldosterone antagonists, potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers

Question 6

POTASSIUM, ORAL: EXAMPLES

Answer 6

• potassium chloride

- potassium bicarbonate