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ALIMENTARY TRACT AND METABOLISM › MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS › POTASSIUM › Potassium
potassium gluconate
A12BA05
Forms & Strengths
- Oral tablet: 500 mg (2.2 mEq elemental potassium)
- Oral tablet: 595 mg (2.54 mEq elemental potassium)
- Oral elixir: 20 mEq/15 mL
Adult Dosing
- Prevention of hypokalemia: 20 mEq orally daily
- Treatment of hypokalemia: 40 to 100 mEq orally daily in divided doses
- Maximum single dose: 20 mEq
- Administer with meals and a full glass of water or juice to minimize GI irritation
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and efficacy not well established in pediatric patients
- If used, dosage must be individualized based on serum potassium levels and clinical condition
Indications
- Prevention and treatment of hypokalemia due to diuretics, digitalis intoxication, low dietary intake, or excessive losses
Mechanism of Action
- Provides potassium ions essential for maintaining intracellular tonicity
- Membrane electrical potential
- Transmission of nerve impulses
- Cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle contraction
- Maintenance of normal renal function and acid-base balance
Contraindications
- Hyperkalemia or conditions predisposing to hyperkalemia
- Severe renal impairment (oliguria, anuria, azotemia)
- Untreated Addison's disease
- Acute dehydration
- Heat cramps
- Concurrent use of potassium-sparing diuretics
- Structural, pathological, or pharmacologic causes of delayed GI transit
Adverse Reactions
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and flatulence
- Gastrointestinal ulceration, bleeding, or perforation
- Hyperkalemia (paresthesia, muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, paralysis)
Drug Interactions
- Potassium-sparing diuretics (amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene): risk of severe hyperkalemia
- ACE inhibitors and ARBs: increased risk of hyperkalemia
- NSAIDs: increased risk of severe hyperkalemia and GI ulceration
- Anticholinergic agents: increased risk of GI mucosal lesions due to delayed transit
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use