TEN-K
Clinical safety rating: caution
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for TEN-K (TEN-K).
Potassium chloride is a potassium supplement that replaces potassium ions in the body, essential for maintaining intracellular osmotic pressure, acid-base balance, and nerve conduction. It acts as a cofactor for numerous enzymes and is critical for myocardial and skeletal muscle contraction.
| Metabolism | Potassium chloride is not metabolized; it is absorbed and excreted primarily by the kidneys. Approximately 90% is eliminated in urine, with the remainder in feces and sweat. |
| Excretion | Renal: >90% excreted unchanged by the kidneys; fecal: <5% |
| Half-life | Terminal elimination half-life is approximately 30-60 minutes; clinical context: short half-life necessitates frequent dosing for maintenance of potassium levels. |
| Protein binding | Minimal (<10%); not significantly bound to plasma proteins. |
| Volume of Distribution | Approximately 0.2-0.4 L/kg; reflects distribution primarily in extracellular fluid. |
| Bioavailability | Oral: 100% (potassium chloride is well absorbed); IV: 100%. |
| Onset of Action | Oral: 30-60 minutes; IV: immediate upon completion of infusion. |
| Duration of Action | Duration is dose-dependent but typically 4-6 hours for oral; continuous IV infusion provides sustained effect. |
10 mEq (one tablet) orally once daily or as directed by physician.
| Dosage form | TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE |
| Renal impairment | Contraindicated in severe renal impairment (GFR <30 mL/min). For GFR 30-60 mL/min, reduce dose by 50% and monitor serum potassium. Use with caution in mild impairment. |
| Liver impairment | No specific adjustment; however, use with caution in severe hepatic impairment due to risk of hyperkalemia. |
| Pediatric use | Not established; safety and efficacy in pediatric patients not determined. |
| Geriatric use | Start at 5 mEq orally daily; titrate slowly and monitor serum potassium due to age-related renal function decline. |
| 1st trimester | Consult provider |
| 2nd trimester | Consult provider |
| 3rd trimester | Consult provider |
Clinical note
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for TEN-K (TEN-K).
| Breastfeeding | Potassium is excreted into breast milk in amounts not likely to cause adverse effects in nursing infants. The M/P ratio is approximately 0.4. Supplementation at physiological doses is considered compatible with breastfeeding. Monitor maternal serum potassium to avoid excessive dosage. |
| Teratogenic Risk | No known teratogenic effects based on available data. Potassium supplementation does not increase risk of congenital anomalies above baseline. However, avoid hyperkalemia in pregnant women as high potassium levels may pose risks. First trimester: No evidence of fetal harm. Second trimester: Monitor maternal potassium levels. Third trimester: Adjusted potassium requirements may occur due to increased renal clearance; maintain normokalemia. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
None
| Serious Effects |
["Hyperkalemia","Severe renal impairment with oliguria or anuria","Untreated Addison's disease","Solid oral potassium supplements in patients with delayed gastrointestinal transit"]
| Precautions | ["Hyperkalemia risk, especially in patients with renal impairment","Cardiac effects: risk of arrhythmias with rapid correction or high doses","Gastrointestinal reactions: ulceration, bleeding, perforation with solid oral formulations","Use with caution in patients with renal insufficiency, adrenal insufficiency, diabetes, or cardiac disease","Monitor serum potassium levels and ECG during therapy"] |
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| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor serum potassium levels regularly, especially during dose adjustments or in patients with renal impairment. Assess for signs of hyperkalemia (e.g., ECG changes, muscle weakness). In pregnant patients, monitor renal function and blood pressure. Fetal monitoring is not specifically required unless maternal hyperkalemia occurs. |
| Fertility Effects | No known adverse effects on fertility. Potassium is essential for cellular function; supplementation at indicated doses does not impair reproductive function. |