K-Tab
K-Tab
Generic Name
K-Tab
Mechanism
- Potassium supplementation: Provides exogenous potassium ions (K⁺) that enter systemic circulation to offset deficits.
- Replenishes intracellular stores: Enhances K⁺ gradient across cell membranes, improving muscle contractility, cardiac action potential stabilization, and neuromuscular function.
- Counteracts loss: Corrects K⁺ depletion from diuretics, gastrointestinal losses, or renal excretion.
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Rapid oral absorption; peak plasma levels within 15–30 min.
- Distribution: Primarily extracellular fluid; distributes into intracellular compartments over 2–4 h.
- Half‑life: ~5–7 h; steady‑state achieved after ~4–5 doses.
- Elimination: Predominantly renal via glomerular filtration; no significant hepatic metabolism.
- Special populations:
- ↓Renal clearance in CKD → longer half‑life.
- No dose adjustment needed for hepatic impairment.
Indications
- Acute hypokalemia (e.g., post‑surgery, diuretic therapy, vomiting/diarrhea).
- Maintenance therapy for chronic hypokalemia due to:
- Chronic diuretic use
- Renal tubular disorders
- Certain endocrine diseases (e.g., Cushing's syndrome)
- Adjunct to electrolyte management in sepsis or critical illness where K⁺ loss is significant.
Contraindications
- Contraindicated:
- Hyperkalemia (serum K⁺ >5.5 mmol/L)
- Severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m²) unless closely monitored.
- Warnings:
- Avoid in patients with angiotensin‑converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or potassium‑sparing diuretics without monitoring.
- Use cautiously post‑elevated K⁺ status or in patients on drugs that influence renal potassium handling.
Dosing
| Patient Group | Typical Dose | Frequency | Notes |
| Adults with acute hypokalemia | 20–40 mmol KCl (0.5–1 mEq) per tablet | 2–4 × daily | Titrate to serum K⁺ goals (4.0–5.0 mmol/L). |
| Chronic maintenance | 40–80 mmol KCl (1–2 mEq) per tablet | Once daily | Adjust per 24‑h urine K⁺ or serum levels. |
| Renal impairment | • Initial low dose (10 mmol) | • Slow titration | Monitor serum K⁺ every 24–48 h. |
• Administer with a full glass of water; avoid on an empty stomach to reduce GI irritation.
• Follow with a soft food snack if paresthesia or nausea occurs.
Adverse Effects
| Adverse Effect | Frequency | Severity | Management |
| Gastro‑intestinal: dyspepsia, nausea, abdominal cramp, loose stools | Common (≈10–20 %) | Mild | Take with food; consider slower release formulations. |
| Hypersensitivity: rash, itching | Rare (~1 %) | Mild–Moderate | Discontinue; use antihistamine. |
| Hyperkalemia | Rare | Serious | Immediate dose adjustment; discontinue if >5.5 mmol/L. |
| Irregular heart rhythm (premature beats, arrhythmias) | Rare | Serious | Monitoring ECG; stop if arrhythmia persists. |
Monitoring
- Serum potassium: every 12–24 h until stable; then weekly.
- Renal function: serum creatinine, eGFR at baseline, then monthly.
- Serum magnesium: if hypomagnesemia present; correct prior to K‑tab.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): baseline and after dose escalation if arrhythmias risk.
- Urine output: monitor for oliguria; reassess dose.
Clinical Pearls
- Start low, go slow: Even with moderate hypokalemia, an aggressive start can precipitate hyperkalemia in susceptible patients.
- Double‑check renal status: CKD patients may have delayed elimination; adjust dosing accordingly.
- Co‑administration pitfalls: ACEi, ARB, potassium‑sparing diuretics, or NSAIDs can potentiate K⁺ rise; dose‑adjust or hold K‑tab as needed.
- Consider patient diet: High potassium diets (bananas, nuts, tomatoes) can contribute; educate patients to avoid excessive intake when initiating K‑tab.
- Formulation choice: The extended‑release K‑tab can diminish GI irritation but does not alter systemic absorption; choose based on tolerance.
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• Key Takeaway: *K‑Tab* is a reliable oral potassium chloride supplement indispensable for correcting hypokalemia in diverse patient populations. Accurate dosing, vigilant monitoring, and awareness of drug‑–drug interactions are essential to maximize benefit and minimize risk.