Version May 2024
Hypokalemia (mild to moderate), treatment (alternative agent):
Note: Doses are expressed as mEq of potassium (1 mEq = 1 mmol potassium). Typically, potassium chloride is preferred because it corrects serum potassium more quickly than other salts and hypochloremia may develop with potassium citrate use (Asmar 2012; Cohn 2000). Consider use in patients with hypokalemia accompanied by metabolic acidosis (eg, due to diarrhea or renal tubular acidosis). Individualize dosing based on serum potassium levels and clinical factors (eg, underlying cause, presence of symptoms, concomitant medications, ongoing potassium losses). Concurrent hypomagnesemia requires correction to facilitate potassium repletion (Ref). General guidance is provided below; refer to institutional protocols.
Mild to moderate (serum potassium 3 to 3.4 mEq/L): Oral: Initial: 10 to 20 mEq 2 to 4 times daily; base subsequent dosing on electrolyte monitoring (eg, serum potassium, sodium, chloride, carbon dioxide concentrations (Ref)) and clinical factors; limit single doses to 20 to 25 mEq/dose to avoid GI discomfort (Ref).
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling. However, patients with chronic kidney disease require serum potassium monitoring and appropriate dosage adjustment.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
Refer to adult dosing.
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified. Frequency not defined.
Endocrine & metabolic: Hyperkalemia
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
Hyperkalemia. Note: The manufacturer's labeling also states that concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics is contraindicated. While this combination should generally be avoided, in select patients under close medical supervision, combined use of potassium supplements and potassium-sparing diuretics may be considered.
Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• GI effects: May cause GI upset (eg, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, discomfort) and lead to GI ulceration, bleeding, perforation and/or obstruction.
• Hyperkalemia: Close monitoring of serum potassium concentrations is needed to avoid hyperkalemia; severe hyperkalemia may lead to muscle weakness/paralysis and cardiac conduction abnormalities (eg, heart block, ventricular arrhythmias, asystole).
Disease-related concerns:
• Acid/base disorders: Use with caution in patients with acid/base alterations; changes in serum potassium concentrations can occur during acid/base correction, monitor closely.
• Cardiovascular disease: Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease (eg, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias); patients may be more susceptible to life-threatening cardiac effects associated with hyper/hypokalemia.
• Metabolic acidosis: Patients with hypokalemia accompanied by metabolic acidosis should be treated with an alkalinizing potassium salt.
• Potassium-altering conditions/disorders: Use with caution in patients with disorders or conditions likely to contribute to altered serum potassium and hyperkalemia (eg, untreated Addison's disease, heat cramps, severe tissue breakdown from trauma or burns).
• Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal impairment; monitor serum potassium concentrations closely. Avoid with severe impairment.
Concurrent drug therapy issues:
• Digitalis: Use with caution in digitalized patients; may be more susceptible to potentially life-threatening cardiac effects with rapid changes in serum potassium concentrations.
• Potassium-altering therapies: Use with caution in patients receiving concomitant medications or therapies that increase potassium (eg, ACE inhibitors, potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium-containing salt substitutes).
Each tablet contains 10, 20, or 25 mEq potassium and delivers approximately 10, 20 or 25 mEq bicarbonate.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product
Tablet Effervescent, Oral:
Effer-K: 10 mEq
Effer-K: 10 mEq [contains fd&c red #40 (allura red ac dye); cherry-vanilla flavor]
Effer-K: 20 mEq [scored]
Effer-K: 20 mEq [scored; contains fd&c red #40 (allura red ac dye), fd&c yellow #6 (sunset yellow); orange cream flavor]
Effer-K: 25 mEq [lime flavor]
Effer-K: 25 mEq [contains fd&c red #40 (allura red ac dye), fd&c red #40(allura red ac)aluminum lake, saccharin; cherry berry flavor]
Effer-K: 25 mEq [contains fd&c yellow #6 (sunset yellow), fd&c yellow #6(sunset yellow)alumin lake, saccharin; orange flavor]
Effer-K: 25 mEq [contains quinoline (d&c yellow #10) aluminum lake, quinoline yellow (d&c yellow #10), saccharin; lemon citrus flavor]
Effer-K: 25 mEq [contains saccharin; unflavored flavor]
K-Prime: 25 mEq [contains fd&c yellow #6 (sunset yellow), fd&c yellow #6(sunset yellow)alumin lake, saccharin; orange flavor]
Klor-Con/EF: 25 mEq [contains fd&c yellow #6 (sunset yellow), fd&c yellow #6(sunset yellow)alumin lake, saccharin]
Klor-Con/EF: 25 mEq [DSC] [sugar free; contains fd&c yellow #6 (sunset yellow), fd&c yellow #6(sunset yellow)alumin lake, saccharin; orange flavor]
No
Tablet, effervescent (Effer-K Oral)
10 mEq (per each): $0.57
20 mEq (per each): $0.66
25 mEq (per each): $0.47
Tablet, effervescent (K-Prime Oral)
25 mEq (per each): $0.33
Tablet, effervescent (Klor-Con/EF Oral)
25 mEq (per each): $1.57
Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.
Oral: Do not remove tablet from pouch until ready to use. Completely dissolve tablet in 4 ounces (115 mL) of water. Administer with meals and sip slowly over 5 to 10 minutes.
Hypokalemia, treatment: Treatment of hypokalemia, particularly when it is necessary to avoid chloride or the acid/base status requires bicarbonate.
Klor-Con may be confused with Klaron
None known.
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the Lexicomp drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.
Acalabrutinib: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Acalabrutinib. Management: Separate administration of acalabrutinib capsules from the administration of any antacid by at least 2 hours in order to minimize the potential for a significant interaction. Acalabrutinib tablets are not expected to interact with antacids. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Aliskiren: Potassium Salts may enhance the hyperkalemic effect of Aliskiren. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Alpha-/Beta-Agonists (Indirect-Acting): Alkalinizing Agents may increase the serum concentration of Alpha-/Beta-Agonists (Indirect-Acting). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Aluminum Hydroxide: Citric Acid Derivatives may increase the absorption of Aluminum Hydroxide. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Amantadine: Alkalinizing Agents may increase the serum concentration of Amantadine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
AMILoride: Potassium Salts may enhance the hyperkalemic effect of AMILoride. Management: Amiloride and potassium supplements should not be used except in severe or refractory cases of hypokalemia. If coadministered, monitor serum potassium closely as rapid increases in potassium are possible. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Amphetamines: Alkalinizing Agents may decrease the excretion of Amphetamines. Management: Consider alternatives to using amphetamines and alkalinizing agents in combination. If these agents must be used together, patients should be monitored closely for excessive amphetamine effects. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers: Potassium Salts may enhance the hyperkalemic effect of Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors: Potassium Salts may enhance the hyperkalemic effect of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Anticholinergic Agents: May enhance the ulcerogenic effect of Potassium Citrate. Management: Patients on drugs with substantial anticholinergic effects should avoid using any solid oral dosage form of potassium citrate. Risk X: Avoid combination
Atazanavir: Antacids may decrease the absorption of Atazanavir. Management: Administer antacids 1 to 2 hours before or 2 hours after atazanavir to minimize the risk of a clinically significant interaction. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Belumosudil: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Belumosudil. Management: Consider separating administration of belumosudil and antacids by 2 hours and monitor for reduced belumosudil efficacy. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Bisacodyl: Antacids may diminish the therapeutic effect of Bisacodyl. Antacids may cause the delayed-release bisacodyl tablets to release drug prior to reaching the large intestine. Gastric irritation and/or cramps may occur. Management: Antacids should not be used within 1 hour before bisacodyl administration. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Bismuth Subcitrate: Antacids may diminish the therapeutic effect of Bismuth Subcitrate. Management: Avoid administration of antacids within 30 minutes of bismuth subcitrate (tripotassium bismuth dicitrate) administration. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Bosutinib: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Bosutinib. Management: Administer antacids more than 2 hours before or after bosutinib. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Calcium Polystyrene Sulfonate: Antacids may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Calcium Polystyrene Sulfonate. The combined use of these two agents may result in metabolic alkalosis. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Captopril: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Captopril. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Cefditoren: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Cefditoren. Risk X: Avoid combination
Cefpodoxime: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Cefpodoxime. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Cefuroxime: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Cefuroxime. Management: Administer cefuroxime axetil at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after the administration of short-acting antacids. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Chloroquine: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Chloroquine. Management: Separate the administration of antacids and chloroquine by at least 4 hours to minimize any potential negative impact of antacids on chloroquine bioavailability. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Corticosteroids (Oral): Antacids may decrease the bioavailability of Corticosteroids (Oral). Management: Consider separating doses by 2 or more hours. Budesonide enteric coated tablets could dissolve prematurely if given with drugs that lower gastric acid, with unknown impact on budesonide therapeutic effects. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Cysteamine (Systemic): Antacids may diminish the therapeutic effect of Cysteamine (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Dabigatran Etexilate: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Dabigatran Etexilate. Management: Dabigatran etexilate Canadian product labeling recommends avoiding concomitant use with antacids for 24 hours after surgery. In other situations, administer dabigatran etexilate 2 hours prior to antacids. Monitor clinical response to dabigatran therapy. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Dasatinib: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Dasatinib. Management: Simultaneous administration of dasatinib and antacids should be avoided. Administer antacids 2 hours before or 2 hours after dasatinib. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Delavirdine: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Delavirdine. Management: Separate doses of delavirdine and antacids by at least 1 hour. Monitor for decreased delavirdine therapeutic effects with this combination. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Diacerein: Antacids may decrease the absorption of Diacerein. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Drospirenone-Containing Products: May enhance the hyperkalemic effect of Potassium Salts. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Eplerenone: May enhance the hyperkalemic effect of Potassium Salts. Management: This combination is contraindicated in patients receiving eplerenone for treatment of hypertension. Potassium supplements may be needed to treat/prevent hypokalemia in select patients with heart failure receiving eplerenone and high dose loop diuretics. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Erlotinib: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Erlotinib. Management: Separate the administration of erlotinib and any antacid by several hours in order to minimize the risk of a significant interaction. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Finerenone: Potassium Salts may enhance the hyperkalemic effect of Finerenone. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Flecainide: Alkalinizing Agents may decrease the excretion of Flecainide. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Fosinopril: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Fosinopril. Management: The US and Canadian fosinopril manufacturer labels recommend separating the doses of antacids and fosinopril by 2 hours. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Gefitinib: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Gefitinib. Management: Administer gefitinib at least 6 hours before or 6 hours after administration of an antacid, and closely monitor clinical response to gefitinib. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Heparins (Low Molecular Weight): May enhance the hyperkalemic effect of Potassium Salts. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Infigratinib: Antacids may decrease serum concentrations of the active metabolite(s) of Infigratinib. Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Infigratinib. Management: Avoid coadministration of infigratinib with antacids or other gastric acid-lowering agents. If antacids cannot be avoided, administer infigratinib 2 hours before or after administration of antacids. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Iron Preparations: Antacids may decrease the absorption of Iron Preparations. Management: No action is likely necessary for the majority of patients who only use antacids intermittently or occasionally. Consider separating doses of oral iron and antacids in patients who require chronic use of both agents and monitor for reduced iron efficacy. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Isoniazid: Antacids may decrease the absorption of Isoniazid. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Itraconazole: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Itraconazole. Antacids may increase the serum concentration of Itraconazole. Management: Administer Sporanox brand itraconazole at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after administration of any antacids. Exposure to Tolsura brand itraconazole may be increased by antacids; consider itraconazole dose reduction. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Ketoconazole (Systemic): Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Ketoconazole (Systemic). Management: Administer antacids at least 1 hour prior to, or 2 hours after, ketoconazole. Additionally, administer ketoconazole with an acidic beverage (eg, non-diet cola) and monitor patients closely for signs of inadequate clinical response to ketoconazole. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Lanthanum: Antacids may diminish the therapeutic effect of Lanthanum. Management: Administer antacid products at least 2 hours before or after lanthanum. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Ledipasvir: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Ledipasvir. Management: Separate the administration of ledipasvir and antacids by 4 hours. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Levoketoconazole: Antacids may decrease the absorption of Levoketoconazole. Management: Advise patients to take antacids at least 2 hours after taking levoketoconazole. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Levonadifloxacin: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Levonadifloxacin. Risk X: Avoid combination
Mecamylamine: Alkalinizing Agents may increase the serum concentration of Mecamylamine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Memantine: Alkalinizing Agents may increase the serum concentration of Memantine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Mesalamine: Antacids may diminish the therapeutic effect of Mesalamine. Antacid-mediated increases in gastrointestinal pH may cause the premature release of mesalamine from specific sustained-release mesalamine products. Management: Avoid concurrent administration of antacids with the Apriso brand of mesalamine extended-release capsules. The optimal duration of dose separation is unknown. Other mesalamine products do not contain this interaction warning. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Methenamine: Antacids may diminish the therapeutic effect of Methenamine. Management: Consider avoiding the concomitant use of medications that alkalinize the urine, such as antacids, and methenamine. Monitor for decreased therapeutic effects of methenamine if used concomitant with antacids. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Multivitamins/Minerals (with ADEK, Folate, Iron): Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Multivitamins/Minerals (with ADEK, Folate, Iron). Specifically, antacids may decrease the absorption of orally administered iron. Management: Separate dosing of oral iron-containing multivitamins and antacids by as much time as possible to minimize impact of this interaction. Monitor for decreased therapeutic efficacy of oral iron preparations during coadministration. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Neratinib: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Neratinib. Specifically, antacids may reduce neratinib absorption. Management: Separate the administration of neratinib and antacids by giving neratinib at least 3 hours after the antacid. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Nicorandil: May enhance the hyperkalemic effect of Potassium Salts. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nilotinib: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Nilotinib. Management: Separate the administration of nilotinib and any antacid by at least 2 hours whenever possible in order to minimize the risk of a significant interaction. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Nirogacestat: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Nirogacestat. Management: If acid-reducing therapy is required, separate nirogacestat administration from antacids by 2 hours. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents: May enhance the hyperkalemic effect of Potassium Salts. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Octreotide: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Octreotide. Risk C: Monitor therapy
PAZOPanib: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of PAZOPanib. Management: Avoid the use of antacids in combination with pazopanib whenever possible. Separate doses by several hours if antacid treatment is considered necessary. The impact of dose separation has not been investigated. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Pexidartinib: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Pexidartinib. Management: Administer pexidartinib at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after antacids. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Phosphate Supplements: Antacids may decrease the absorption of Phosphate Supplements. Management: This applies only to oral phosphate administration. Separating administration of oral phosphate supplements from antacid administration by as long as possible may minimize the interaction. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Potassium Phosphate: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Potassium Phosphate. Management: Consider separating administration of antacids and oral potassium phosphate by at least 2 hours to decrease risk of a significant interaction. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
QuiNINE: Alkalinizing Agents may increase the serum concentration of QuiNINE. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Rilpivirine: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Rilpivirine. Management: Administer antacids at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after oral rilpivirine when used with most rilpivirine products. However, administer antacids at least 6 hours before or 4 hours after the rilpivirine/dolutegravir combination product. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Riociguat: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Riociguat. Management: Separate the administration of antacids and riociguat by at least 1 hour in order to minimize any potential interaction. Monitor clinical response to riociguat more closely in patients using this combination. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Rosuvastatin: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Rosuvastatin. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Selpercatinib: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Selpercatinib. Management: Coadministration of selpercatinib and antacids should be avoided. If coadministration cannot be avoided, selpercatinib should be administered 2 hours before or 2 hours after antacids. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate: Antacids may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate. Specifically, the risk of metabolic alkalosis may be increased. Antacids may diminish the therapeutic effect of Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Sotalol: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Sotalol. Management: Avoid simultaneous administration of sotalol and antacids. Administer antacids 2 hours after sotalol. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Sotorasib: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Sotorasib. Management: Avoid coadministration of sotorasib and antacids. If use of a gastric acid suppressing medication cannot be avoided, administer sotorasib 4 hours before or 10 hours after oral antacid administration. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Sparsentan: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Sparsentan. Management: Administer sparsentan 2 hours before or 2 hours after antacids. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Spironolactone: Potassium Salts may enhance the hyperkalemic effect of Spironolactone. Risk X: Avoid combination
Sucralfate: Antacids may diminish the therapeutic effect of Sucralfate. Management: Consider separating the administration of antacids and sucralfate by at least 30 minutes. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Sulpiride: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Sulpiride. Management: Separate administration of antacids and sulpiride by at least 2 hours in order to minimize the impact of antacids on sulpiride absorption. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Tetracyclines: Antacids may decrease the absorption of Tetracyclines. Management: Separate administration of antacids and oral tetracycline derivatives by several hours when possible to minimize the extent of this potential interaction. Monitor for decreased therapeutic effects of tetracyclines. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Thyroid Products: Antacids may decrease the absorption of Thyroid Products. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Triamterene: Potassium Salts may enhance the hyperkalemic effect of Triamterene. Risk X: Avoid combination
Velpatasvir: Antacids may decrease the serum concentration of Velpatasvir. Management: Separate administration of velpatasvir and antacids by at least 4 hours. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with this combination. See individual agents.
See individual agents.
Dietary adequate intake (AI) (IOM 2004): Healthy adults: 120 mEq/day (4.7 g/day)
Electrolytes (including serum potassium, chloride, magnesium, and bicarbonate); kidney function; cardiac function
Note: Reference ranges may vary depending on the laboratory
Serum potassium: 3.5 to 5.2 mEq/L
Potassium is needed for the conduction of nerve impulses in heart, brain, and skeletal muscle; contraction of cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscles; maintenance of normal renal function
Absorption: Well absorbed from upper GI tract
Distribution: Enters cells via active transport from extracellular fluid
Excretion: Primarily urine; skin and feces (small amounts); most intestinal potassium reabsorbed
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