K-TAB
Clinical safety rating: caution
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for K-TAB (K-TAB).
Potassium ion replacement therapy; restores intracellular and extracellular potassium levels, maintaining membrane potential and cellular function.
| Metabolism | Not metabolized; renally excreted. |
| Excretion | Renal (90% unchanged), fecal (10% as metabolites) |
| Half-life | 7.5 hours in normal renal function; prolonged to 12-20 hours in severe renal impairment (CrCl <10 mL/min) |
| Protein binding | 80-90% bound to albumin and alpha1-acid glycoprotein |
| Volume of Distribution | 1-2 L/kg, indicating extensive tissue distribution |
| Bioavailability | Oral: 92-100% |
| Onset of Action | Oral: 1-2 hours; Extended-release: 2-4 hours |
| Duration of Action | Oral immediate-release: 6-8 hours; Extended-release: 12-24 hours |
Potassium chloride extended-release tablets, 20 mEq to 40 mEq orally per day in 2-4 divided doses with meals, titrated based on serum potassium levels.
| Dosage form | TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE |
| Renal impairment | For GFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m²: reduce dose by 50% or use alternative; monitor serum potassium closely. Avoid if GFR <10 mL/min/1.73 m² unless on dialysis. |
| Liver impairment | No specific Child-Pugh adjustment. Use with caution in severe hepatic impairment due to risk of hyperkalemia from associated renal dysfunction. |
| Pediatric use | Weight-based: 1-2 mEq/kg/day orally in divided doses, not to exceed 20 mEq per dose; adjust based on serum potassium and renal function. |
| Geriatric use | Initiate at lower end of dosing range (e.g., 20 mEq/day) due to age-related decline in renal function; monitor potassium and renal function regularly. |
| 1st trimester | Consult provider |
| 2nd trimester | Consult provider |
| 3rd trimester | Consult provider |
Clinical note
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for K-TAB (K-TAB).
| Breastfeeding | Potassium is normal constituent of breast milk. Supplementation unlikely to affect infant. M/P ratio approximately 1.1. Use with caution only if clearly needed, monitor infant for hyperkalemia signs. |
| Teratogenic Risk | K-TAB (potassium chloride) is FDA pregnancy category C. No fetal risks demonstrated at standard doses; hyperkalemia may cause fetal arrhythmia. First trimester: no known teratogenicity. Second/third trimesters: excess potassium can cross placenta, potentially causing fetal cardiac effects if maternal levels elevated. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
No FDA black box warning.
| Serious Effects |
["Hyperkalemia","Severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min)","Addison's disease","Untreated Addison's disease","Concomitant potassium-sparing diuretics","Adrenal insufficiency","Acidosis (metabolic or respiratory)","Chronic renal failure","Acute dehydration","Extensive tissue breakdown (e.g., severe burns)"]
| Precautions | ["Hyperkalemia risk, especially in renal impairment","Use with potassium-sparing diuretics increases hyperkalemia risk","Gastrointestinal lesions (ulceration, stricture) with wax-matrix tablets","Sudden cessation of high-dose potassium supplements may cause complications"] |
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| Fetal Monitoring |
| Monitor serum potassium, renal function, ECG if high doses or renal impairment. Fetal heart rate monitoring if maternal hyperkalemia suspected. |
| Fertility Effects | No known adverse effects on fertility in humans. Animal studies show no impairment. |