From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: The usual dietary intake of potassium by the average adult is 50 to 100 mEq per day. Potassium depletion sufficient to cause hypokalemia usually requires the loss of 200 or more mEq of potassium from the total body store. CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Potassium ion is the principal intracellular cation of most body tissues. WARNINGS: Hyperkalemia (see OVERDOSAGE) In patients with impaired mechanisms for excreting potassium, the administration of potassium salts can produce hyperkalemia and cardiac arrest.
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Potassium Replacement in Hypokalemia
- The choice between Effervescent K and Klor-Con (potassium chloride) for potassium replacement in hypokalemia depends on various factors, including the patient's preferences, renal function, and the presence of other electrolyte disorders 1.
- Oral potassium chloride replacement therapy is preferable if there are bowel sounds, except in life-threatening situations such as ventricular arrhythmias, digitalis intoxication, or paralysis 1.
- A study comparing the bioavailability of effervescent tablets and common tablets of potassium chloride found that the two formulations were bioequivalent, with a relative bioavailability of 97.5% for the effervescent tablet 2.
- Patient preference studies have shown that patients prefer solid dosage forms over liquid ones, and among solid forms, they may prefer one type over another due to differences in appearance, size, taste, smell, texture, and ease of swallowing 3.
- The use of salt substitutes as a potassium replacement has been found to be effective and safe, but patient acceptance may be poor due to factors such as taste and texture 4.
- When treating hypokalemia, it is essential to consider the optimal potassium preparation, route of administration, and speed of administration, as well as to monitor for potential side effects and interactions 5, 1.