The drug "Potassium Chloride" is a tool that is designed to replenish the deficiency of potassium in the body. It is a salt that is either colorless or white, it can be either in the form of a powder, solution, or in the form of tablets, and it is also used in the production of substances such as potassium hydrochloride and potassium carbonate.
It is potassium that is the main intracellular ion, which plays a large role in ensuring the regulation of various body functions. This element is involved in the transmission and transmission of nerve impulses to the innervated organs, in the process of skeletal muscle contraction, in maintaining the osmotic intracellular pressure and many other biochemical processes. It also reduces the conductivity and excitability of the myocardium, and its presence in high doses inhibits automatism.
After the preparation "Potassium Chloride" is taken orally, approximately 70% of it is passively absorbed due to the fact that the concentration of potassium is much higher in the lumen of the small intestine than in the blood. In the colon and ileum, this microelement is secreted into the intestinal lumen, its conjugated exchange with sodium occurs, after which about 10% is excreted along with bile.
The medicine "Potassium Chloride" - the dosage of the drug
A single dose should not exceed 25-50 meq potassium, while the daily dose cannot be higher than 50-100 meq potassium. The course of treatment and the frequency of administration of this drug depends on the evidence. If necessary, the introduction of funds "Potassium chloride" intravenously, the dose and treatment regimen in each case is determined separately.
Drug interaction
If we allow the simultaneous use of salt substitutes, potassium-sparing diuretics and other potassium preparations, then there is a big risk of developing hyperkalemia.
If it becomes necessary to administer the indicated drug to a pregnant woman, the doctor must evaluate the expected benefit from him for the mother and the estimated risk to the fetus. When breast-feeding a baby, it is necessary to cancel feeding before using the drug.
Possible side effects
Symptoms of hyperkalemia are usually muscle weakness, paresthesia in the lower and upper extremities, arrhythmia, heart block and cardiac arrest, confusion.
If you take the drug "Potassium Chloride" inside, it may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Also, in some cases, ulcerative lesions of the stomach and small intestine can occur, often they are accompanied by bleeding and perforation, and strictures are formed in the future.
After intravenous administration of this drug, cardiac abnormalities may develop .
Indications for use
The medicine "Potassium chloride" is prescribed in the presence of hypokalemia of any origin, including after severe vomiting or diarrhea, with polyuria and chronic renal failure. It can also be caused by taking certain medications, it can occur with glycoside intoxication or with a hypokalemic form of paroxysmal myoplegia.
Contraindications
The drug is not prescribed in the presence of impaired renal excretory function, with complete blockade of the heart. Also, it should not be used for hyperkalemia, metabolic disorders in the form of acidosis, hypovolemia with hyponatremia, in the presence of gastrointestinal diseases, which are in the acute stage, and in case of adrenal insufficiency.
The potassium chloride substance has a lethal dose of more than 5 grams, if necessary, anesthesia during surgery is enough 100-150 mg of the drug. If the drug is administered intravenously and too quickly, then hyperkalemia develops, which can lead to the death of the patient. At the same time, you need to know that it can develop very quickly and without manifestation of external symptoms. In case of an overdose, it is necessary to inject a solution of sodium chloride inside or intravenously, or intravenously from 300 to 500 milliliters of a dextrose solution, in 1000 ml of which contains 10-20 units of insulin.