Available Doses of Klyte (Potassium Supplement)
Klyte (potassium citrate) is available in tablet formulations of 5 mEq, 10 mEq, and 15 mEq strengths for oral administration. 1
Dosage Forms and Administration
- Potassium citrate (Klyte) is available as extended-release tablets in three strengths: 5 mEq, 10 mEq, and 15 mEq 1
- The medication should be taken with meals or within 30 minutes after meals or bedtime snack to improve gastrointestinal tolerability 1
- For patients with severe hypocitraturia (urinary citrate <150 mg/day), the recommended starting dose is 60 mEq/day, administered as either 30 mEq twice daily or 20 mEq three times daily 1
- For patients with mild to moderate hypocitraturia (urinary citrate >150 mg/day), the recommended starting dose is 30 mEq/day, administered as either 15 mEq twice daily or 10 mEq three times daily 1
Dosing Considerations
- The objective of potassium citrate therapy is to restore normal urinary citrate levels (>320 mg/day, ideally close to 640 mg/day) and increase urinary pH to 6.0-7.0 1
- Doses greater than 100 mEq/day have not been studied and should be avoided 1
- Serum electrolytes, creatinine, and complete blood counts should be monitored every four months and more frequently in patients with cardiac disease, renal disease, or acidosis 1
- Treatment should be discontinued if hyperkalemia develops, if there is a significant rise in serum creatinine, or if there is a significant fall in blood hematocrit or hemoglobin 1
Important Cautions and Contraindications
- Potassium citrate is contraindicated in patients with hyperkalemia or conditions predisposing to hyperkalemia, such as chronic renal failure, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, acute dehydration, strenuous physical exercise in unconditioned individuals, adrenal insufficiency, or extensive tissue breakdown 1
- The medication is also contraindicated in patients with conditions that may cause delayed tablet passage through the gastrointestinal tract, peptic ulcer disease, active urinary tract infection, or renal insufficiency (glomerular filtration rate <0.7 ml/kg/min) 1
- Potentially fatal hyperkalemia can develop rapidly and may be asymptomatic; use in patients with chronic renal failure or any condition that impairs potassium excretion should be avoided 1
- Concomitant use with potassium-sparing diuretics should be avoided as it can produce severe hyperkalemia 1
Alternative Potassium Supplementation Options
- For patients who cannot tolerate oral tablets, potassium supplementation may be available in other forms, though specific liquid formulations of Klyte are not mentioned in the provided evidence 2
- Potassium supplements should be spread throughout the day in multiple doses to maintain steady plasma levels 2
- When potassium supplementation is needed, pharmacologic doses typically range from 5-10 mmol/kg/day 2
Remember that potassium supplementation requires careful monitoring, especially in patients with impaired kidney function, as both hypokalemia and hyperkalemia can cause alterations in muscle function and cardiac arrhythmias 3.