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FDA Drug information

Potassium Chloride

Read time: 1 mins
Marketing start date: 14 Nov 2024

Summary of product characteristics


Adverse Reactions

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions have been identified with use of oral potassium salts. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. The most common adverse reactions to oral potassium salts are nausea, vomiting, flatulence, abdominal pain/discomfort, and diarrhea. There have been reports of hyperkalemia and of upper and lower gastrointestinal conditions including obstruction, bleeding, ulceration, perforation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) and Overdosage ( 10 )] . Skin rash has been reported rarely. Most common adverse reactions are nausea, vomiting, flatulence, abdominal pain/discomfort, and diarrhea ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact AbbVie Inc. at 1-800-633-9110 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Potassium chloride is contraindicated in patients on triamterene or amiloride. Concomitant use with triamterene and amiloride ( 4 , 7.1 )

Description

11 DESCRIPTION Potassium chloride extended-release tablets are a solid oral dosage form of potassium chloride containing 600 mg, 750 mg and 1500 mg of potassium chloride, USP, equivalent to 8 mEq, 10mEq and 20 mEq of potassium, respectively, in a film-coated (not enteric-coated), wax matrix tablet. The chemical name is potassium chloride, and the structural formula is KCl. Potassium chloride, USP, occurs as a white, granular powder or as colorless crystals. It is odorless and has a saline taste. Its solutions are neutral to litmus. It is freely soluble in water and insoluble in alcohol. The 8 mEq and 10 mEq tablets also contain castor oil, cellulosic polymers, colloidal silicon dioxide, D&C Yellow No. 10, magnesium stearate, paraffin, polyvinyl acetate, titanium dioxide, vanillin, and vitamin E. The 20 mEq tablets also contain castor oil, cellulosic polymers, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, paraffin, polyvinyl acetate, titanium dioxide, vanillin, and vitamin E.

Dosage And Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Monitor serum potassium and adjust dosages accordingly ( 2.1 ) If serum potassium concentration is less than 2.5 mEq/L, use intravenous potassium instead of oral supplementation ( 2.1 ) Take with meals and with a glass of water or other liquid. Swallow tablets whole. ( 2.1 ) Treatment of hypokalemia: Typical dose range is 40-100 mEq per day in divided doses. Limit doses to 20 mEq per dose. ( 2.2 ) Prevention of hypokalemia: Typical dose is 20 mEq per day ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Monitoring and Administration If serum potassium concentration is less than 2.5 mEq/L, use intravenous potassium instead of oral supplementation. Monitoring Monitor serum potassium and adjust the dose based on serum potassium level. Monitor serum potassium periodically during maintenance therapy to ensure potassium remains in desired range. The treatment of potassium depletion, particularly in the presence of cardiac disease, renal disease, or acidosis, requires careful attention to acid-base balance, volume status, electrolytes, including magnesium, sodium, chloride, phosphate, and calcium, electrocardiograms, and the clinical status of the patient. Correct volume status, acid-base balance, and electrolyte deficits as appropriate. Administration Take potassium chloride extended-release tablets with meals and with a glass of water or other liquid. Do not take on an empty stomach because of its potential for gastric irritation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Swallow tablets whole without crushing, chewing or sucking. 2.2 Dosing Dosage must be adjusted to the individual needs of each patient. Dosages greater than 20 mEq per day should be divided such that no more than 20 mEq is given in a single dose. Treatment of hypokalemia: Typical dose range is 40-100 mEq per day. Prevention of hypokalemia: Typical dose is 20 mEq per day.

Indications And Usage

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Potassium chloride extended-release tablets are indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of hypokalemia with or without metabolic alkalosis, in patients for whom dietary management with potassium-rich foods or diuretic dose reduction is insufficient. Potassium chloride extended-release tablets are a potassium salt indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of hypokalemia with or without metabolic alkalosis in patients for whom dietary management with potassium-rich foods or diuretic dose reduction is insufficient. ( 1 )

Overdosage

10 OVERDOSAGE 10.1 Symptoms The administration of oral potassium salts to persons with normal excretory mechanisms for potassium rarely causes serious hyperkalemia. However, if excretory mechanisms are impaired, potentially fatal hyperkalemia can result [see Contraindications ( 4 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Hyperkalemia is usually asymptomatic and may be manifested only by an increased serum potassium concentration (6.5-8.0 mEq/L) and characteristic electrocardiographic changes (peaking of T-waves, loss P-waves, depression of S-T segments, and prolongation of the QT intervals). Late manifestations include muscle paralysis and cardiovascular collapse from cardiac arrest (9-12 mEq/L). 10.2 Treatment Treatment measures for hyperkalemia include the following: Monitor closely for arrhythmias and electrolyte changes. Eliminate foods and medications containing potassium and of any agents with potassium-sparing properties such as potassium-sparing diuretics, ARBs, ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs, certain nutritional supplements, and many others. Administer intravenous calcium gluconate if the patient is at no risk or low risk of developing digitalis toxicity. Administer intravenously 300 to 500 mL/hr of 10% dextrose solution containing 10 to 20 units of crystalline insulin per 1,000 mL. Correct acidosis, if present, with intravenous sodium bicarbonate. Use exchange resins, hemodialysis, or peritoneal dialysis. In patients who have been stabilized on digitalis, too rapid a lowering of the serum potassium concentration can produce digitalis toxicity. The extended release feature means that absorption and toxic effects may be delayed for hours. Consider standard measures to remove any unabsorbed drug.

Drug Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors: Monitor for hyperkalemia ( 7.2 ) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Monitor for hyperkalemia ( 7.3 ) 7.1 Triamterene and Amiloride Use with triamterene or amiloride can produce severe hyperkalemia. Avoid concomitant use [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . 7.2 Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Inhibitors Drugs that inhibit the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) including angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), spironolactone, eplerenone, or aliskiren produce potassium retention by inhibiting aldosterone production. Closely monitor potassium in patients receiving concomitant RAAS therapy. 7.3 Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may produce potassium retention by reducing renal synthesis of prostaglandin E and impairing the renin-angiotensin system. Closely monitor potassium in patients receiving concomitant NSAID therapy.

Clinical Pharmacology

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action The potassium ion (K + ) is the principal intracellular cation of most body tissues. Potassium ions participate in a number of essential physiological processes including the maintenance of intracellular tonicity; the transmission of nerve impulse; the contraction of cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle; and the maintenance of normal renal function. The intracellular concentration of potassium is approximately 150 to 160 mEq per liter. The normal adult plasma concentration is 3.5 to 5 mEq per liter. An active ion transport system maintains this gradient across the plasma membrane. Potassium is a normal dietary constituent, and under steady state conditions, the amount of potassium absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract is equal to the amount excreted in the urine. The usual dietary intake of potassium is 50 to 100 mEq per day. 12.2 Pharmacokinetics Specific Populations Cirrhotics Based on published literature, the baseline corrected serum concentrations of potassium measured over 3 hours after administration in cirrhotic subjects who received an oral potassium load rose to approximately twice that of normal subjects who received the same load [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 )] .

Mechanism Of Action

12.1 Mechanism of Action The potassium ion (K + ) is the principal intracellular cation of most body tissues. Potassium ions participate in a number of essential physiological processes including the maintenance of intracellular tonicity; the transmission of nerve impulse; the contraction of cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle; and the maintenance of normal renal function. The intracellular concentration of potassium is approximately 150 to 160 mEq per liter. The normal adult plasma concentration is 3.5 to 5 mEq per liter. An active ion transport system maintains this gradient across the plasma membrane. Potassium is a normal dietary constituent, and under steady state conditions, the amount of potassium absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract is equal to the amount excreted in the urine. The usual dietary intake of potassium is 50 to 100 mEq per day.

Pharmacokinetics

12.2 Pharmacokinetics Specific Populations Cirrhotics Based on published literature, the baseline corrected serum concentrations of potassium measured over 3 hours after administration in cirrhotic subjects who received an oral potassium load rose to approximately twice that of normal subjects who received the same load [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 )] .

Effective Time

20180501

Version

1474

Dosage Forms And Strengths

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS 8 mEq (600 mg): Round, yellow, debossed extended-release tablets with “K-TAB” on one side 10 mEq (750 mg): Ovaloid, yellow, debossed extended-release tablets with “10” on one side and “K-TAB” on the other side 10 mEq (750 mg): Ovaloid, yellow, debossed extended-release tablets with the “a” logo on one side and “K-TAB” on the other side 20 mEq (1500 mg): Ovaloid, white, debossed extended-release tablets with “K-TAB” on one side 8 mEq (600 mg) oral tablets ( 3 ) 10 mEq (750 mg) oral tablets ( 3 ) 20 mEq (1500 mg) oral tablets ( 3 )

Spl Product Data Elements

Potassium Chloride Potassium Chloride POTASSIUM CHLORIDE POTASSIUM CATION CASTOR OIL D&C YELLOW NO. 10 MAGNESIUM STEARATE PARAFFIN TITANIUM DIOXIDE VANILLIN .ALPHA.-TOCOPHEROL POLYVINYL ACETATE SILICON DIOXIDE ETHYLCELLULOSE, UNSPECIFIED a;KTAB Potassium Chloride Potassium Chloride POTASSIUM CHLORIDE POTASSIUM CATION CASTOR OIL SILICON DIOXIDE MAGNESIUM STEARATE PARAFFIN TITANIUM DIOXIDE VANILLIN .ALPHA.-TOCOPHEROL POLYVINYL ACETATE ETHYLCELLULOSE, UNSPECIFIED KTAB Potassium Chloride Potassium Chloride POTASSIUM CHLORIDE POTASSIUM CATION CASTOR OIL SILICON DIOXIDE MAGNESIUM STEARATE PARAFFIN TITANIUM DIOXIDE VANILLIN .ALPHA.-TOCOPHEROL POLYVINYL ACETATE D&C YELLOW NO. 10 ETHYLCELLULOSE, UNSPECIFIED KTAB Potassium Chloride Potassium Chloride POTASSIUM CHLORIDE POTASSIUM CATION CASTOR OIL D&C YELLOW NO. 10 MAGNESIUM STEARATE PARAFFIN TITANIUM DIOXIDE VANILLIN .ALPHA.-TOCOPHEROL POLYVINYL ACETATE SILICON DIOXIDE ETHYLCELLULOSE, UNSPECIFIED KTAB;10

Carcinogenesis And Mutagenesis And Impairment Of Fertility

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Carcinogenicity, mutagenicity and fertility studies in animals have not been performed. Potassium is a normal dietary constituent.

Nonclinical Toxicology

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY 13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Carcinogenicity, mutagenicity and fertility studies in animals have not been performed. Potassium is a normal dietary constituent.

Application Number

NDA018279

Brand Name

Potassium Chloride

Generic Name

Potassium Chloride

Product Ndc

68382-776

Product Type

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

Route

ORAL

Package Label Principal Display Panel

NDC 68382-320-10 Potassium Chloride Extended-Release Tablets, USP 10 mEq (750 mg) 1000 FILM-COATED TABLETS Rx only zydus pharmaceuticals NDC 68382-320-10 Potassium Chloride Extended-Release Tablets, USP 10 mEq (750 mg) 1000 FILM-COATED TABLETS Rx only zydus pharmaceuticals

Information For Patients

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Inform patients to take each dose with meals and with a full glass of water or other liquid, and to not crush, chew, or suck the tablets. Advise patients to seek medical attention if tarry stools or other evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding is noticed. Inform patients that the wax tablet is not absorbed and may be excreted intact in the stool. If the patient observes this, it is not an indication of lack of effect. Manufactured by: AbbVie LTD Barceloneta, PR 00617 Distributed by: Zydus Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. Pennington, NJ 08534 03-B637 May, 2018

Geriatric Use

8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical studies of potassium chloride extended-release tablets did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function.

Pediatric Use

8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of potassium chloride extended-release tablets in children have not been established.

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no human data related to use of potassium chloride extended-release tablets during pregnancy, and animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. Potassium supplementation that does not lead to hyperkalemia is not expected to cause fetal harm. The background risk for major birth defects and miscarriage in the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.

Use In Specific Populations

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Cirrhosis: Initiate therapy at the low end of the dosing range ( 8.6 ) Renal Impairment: Initiate therapy at the low end of the dosing range ( 8.7 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no human data related to use of potassium chloride extended-release tablets during pregnancy, and animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. Potassium supplementation that does not lead to hyperkalemia is not expected to cause fetal harm. The background risk for major birth defects and miscarriage in the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary The normal potassium ion content of human milk is about 13 mEq per liter. Since potassium from oral supplements such as potassium chloride extended-release tablets becomes part of the body potassium pool, as long as body potassium is not excessive, the contribution of potassium chloride supplementation should have little or no effect on the level in human milk. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of potassium chloride extended-release tablets in children have not been established. 8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical studies of potassium chloride extended-release tablets did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function. 8.6 Cirrhotics Doses of potassium in patients with cirrhosis produce a larger increase in potassium levels compared to the response in normal patients. Based on published literature, the baseline corrected serum concentrations of potassium measured over 3 hours after administration in cirrhotic subjects who received an oral potassium load rose to approximately twice that of normal subjects who received the same load. Patients with cirrhosis should usually be started at the low end of the dosing range, and the serum potassium level should be monitored frequently. 8.7 Renal Impairment Patients with renal impairment have reduced urinary excretion of potassium and are at substantially increased risk of hyperkalemia. Patients with impaired renal function, particularly if the patient is on RAAS inhibitors or NSAIDs, should usually be started at the low end of the dosing range because of the potential for development of hyperkalemia [see Drug Interactions ( 7.2 , 7.3 )] . The serum potassium level should be monitored frequently. Renal function should be assessed periodically.

How Supplied

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Potassium chloride extended-release tablets, USP contain 600 mg, 750 mg and 1500 mg of potassium chloride (equivalent to 8 mEq, 10 mEq and 20 mEq of potassium, respectively). Potassium chloride extended-release tablets, USP are provided as extended-release, film-coated tablets. Strength Description Bottle Count NDC# 8 mEq (600 mg) Round, yellow, debossed with "K-TAB" on one side 100 68382-776-01 1000 68382-776-10 10 mEq (750 mg) Ovaloid, yellow, debossed with the “a” logo on one side and “K-TAB” on the other side 100 68382-600-01 1000 68382-600-10 Ovaloid, yellow, debossed with “10” on one side and “K-TAB” on the other side 100 68382-320-01 1000 68382-320-10 20 mEq (1500 mg) Ovaloid, white, debossed with "K-TAB" on one side 100 68382-398-01 500 68382-398-05 Recommended Storage Store at room temperature 20° - 25°C (68° - 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

How Supplied Table

StrengthDescriptionBottle CountNDC#
8 mEq (600 mg)Round, yellow, debossed with "K-TAB" on one side 10068382-776-01
100068382-776-10
10 mEq (750 mg)Ovaloid, yellow, debossed with the “a” logo on one side and “K-TAB” on the other side10068382-600-01
100068382-600-10
Ovaloid, yellow, debossed with “10” on one side and “K-TAB” on the other side10068382-320-01
100068382-320-10
20 mEq (1500 mg)Ovaloid, white, debossed with "K-TAB" on one side10068382-398-01
50068382-398-05

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