MICRO-K LS
Clinical safety rating: caution
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for MICRO-K LS (MICRO-K LS).
Potassium supplement; replaces intracellular potassium, essential for nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and acid-base balance.
| Metabolism | Not metabolized; excreted primarily via kidneys. |
| Excretion | Renal: ~90% as KCl (proportional to intake). Biliary/fecal: <10%. |
| Half-life | Not applicable (K+ is an electrolyte, not eliminated by first-order kinetics). Clinical context: Serum K+ decline follows redistribution and excretion with a half-life of ~2-4 hours after IV bolus. |
| Protein binding | None (K+ is free ion). |
| Volume of Distribution | 0.35 L/kg (approximate total body water; distributes primarily in extracellular fluid). |
| Bioavailability | Oral: ~80-100% for microencapsulated KCl (MICRO-K), but can be incomplete due to slower release. |
| Onset of Action | Oral: 30-60 minutes for serum K+ increase. IV: Immediate. |
| Duration of Action | Oral: Maintains K+ levels for 6-12 hours (dose-dependent). IV: Effect sustained only during infusion. |
10-20 mEq (as potassium chloride) orally twice daily; maximum 100 mEq/day.
| Dosage form | FOR SUSPENSION, EXTENDED RELEASE |
| Renal impairment | GFR 50-90 mL/min: no adjustment. GFR 30-49 mL/min: reduce dose by 25-50%. GFR <30 mL/min: avoid use or reduce dose by 50-75% with close monitoring. |
| Liver impairment | Child-Pugh A: no adjustment. Child-Pugh B: reduce dose by 25-50%. Child-Pugh C: avoid use or reduce dose by 50%. |
| Pediatric use | 1-3 mEq/kg/day orally in 2-4 divided doses; maximum 1 mEq/kg per dose and 100 mEq/day. |
| Geriatric use | Initiate at lower end of dosing range (10-20 mEq/day); monitor renal function and serum potassium frequently; adjust based on renal function. |
| 1st trimester | Consult provider |
| 2nd trimester | Consult provider |
| 3rd trimester | Consult provider |
Clinical note
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for MICRO-K LS (MICRO-K LS).
| Breastfeeding | Potassium is a normal component of breast milk. No adverse effects expected at maternal therapeutic doses. M/P ratio: not applicable (endogenous electrolyte). |
| Teratogenic Risk | MICRO-K LS (potassium chloride) is not associated with teratogenicity. No fetal risks have been reported in any trimester. Use during pregnancy is considered safe when indicated. |
| Fetal Monitoring |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
No black box warning.
| Serious Effects |
["Hyperkalemia","Severe renal impairment","Untreated Addison's disease","Acute dehydration","Use of potassium-sparing diuretics"]
| Precautions | ["Risk of hyperkalemia especially in renal impairment","Use with caution in cardiac disease","GI irritation or ulceration with oral forms","Slow release formulations may cause GI lesions"] |
Loading safety data…
| Monitor serum potassium levels periodically, especially in renal impairment or concomitant medications affecting potassium. No specific fetal monitoring required. |
| Fertility Effects | No known effects on fertility. Potassium chloride is a normal electrolyte; therapeutic use does not impair reproductive function. |