Milliequivalent (mEq) of a 600mg Potassium Chloride Tablet
A 600mg tablet of potassium chloride (KCl) is equivalent to 8 mEq of potassium. 1
Calculation Explanation
- Potassium chloride tablets are measured in milliequivalents (mEq), which represent the chemical activity of an electrolyte 1
- According to the FDA drug label, a 750mg tablet of potassium chloride contains 10 mEq of potassium 1
- Using this ratio, we can calculate that a 600mg tablet contains 8 mEq (600mg ÷ 750mg × 10 mEq = 8 mEq) 1
Clinical Context
- Potassium chloride is commonly used for the treatment of hypokalemia (serum potassium <3.5 mEq/L) 2
- Extended-release formulations of potassium chloride are designed to slow the release of potassium to reduce the likelihood of high localized concentrations within the gastrointestinal tract 1
- Potassium chloride tablets typically begin disintegrating within seconds and completely disintegrate within 1 minute in simulated gastric fluid 1
Dosing Considerations
- For mild to moderate hypokalemia, oral replacement with potassium chloride 20-60 mEq/day is typically recommended 2
- Potassium supplementation should be adjusted based on the presence of cardiac disease, concurrent medications, and renal function 2
- Serum potassium should be monitored regularly after initiating potassium supplementation, especially in patients with risk factors such as renal impairment or heart failure 2
Important Precautions
- Excessive potassium supplementation can lead to hyperkalemia, which may require urgent intervention 2
- Potassium levels should be targeted in the 4.0 to 5.0 mEq/L range for most patients, with careful monitoring to prevent adverse cardiac events 2
- Hypomagnesemia should be corrected when observed, as it can make hypokalemia resistant to correction 2