Another commonly used name for trikates is potassium triplex
.
Description
Potassium is needed to maintain good health.
Although a balanced diet usually supplies all the potassium a person needs,
potassium supplements may be needed by patients who do not have enough potassium
in their regular diet or have lost too much potassium because of illness or
treatment with certain medicines.
There is no evidence that potassium supplements are useful in the treatment
of high blood pressure.
Lack of potassium may cause muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, mood
changes, or nausea and vomiting.
Injectable potassium is administered only by or under the supervision of
your doctor. Some forms of oral potassium may be available in stores without
a prescription. Since too much potassium may cause health problems, you should
take potassium supplements only if directed by your doctor. Potassium supplements
are available with your doctor's prescription in the following dosage forms:
Oral
-
Potassium Bicarbonate
-
Tablets for solution (U.S. and Canada)
-
Potassium Bicarbonate and Potassium Chloride
-
Powder for solution (U.S. and Canada)
-
Tablets for solution (U.S. and Canada)
-
Potassium Bicarbonate and Potassium Citrate
-
Tablets for solution (U.S.)
-
Potassium Chloride
-
Extended-release capsules (U.S. and Canada)
-
Solution (U.S. and Canada)
-
Powder for solution (U.S. and Canada)
-
Powder for suspension (U.S.)
-
Extended-release tablets (U.S. and Canada)
-
Potassium Gluconate
-
Elixir (U.S. and Canada)
-
Tablets (U.S.)
-
Potassium Gluconate and Potassium Chloride
-
Solution (U.S.)
-
Powder for solution (U.S.)
-
Potassium Gluconate and Potassium Citrate
-
Trikates
Parenteral
-
Potassium Acetate
-
Potassium Chloride
-
Concentrate for injection (U.S. and Canada)
| Food (amount) |
Milligrams
of potassium |
Milli-equivalents of
potassium |
| Acorn squash,
cooked (1 cup) |
896 |
23 |
| Potato with skin, baked (1 long) |
844 |
22 |
| Spinach, cooked (1 cup) |
838 |
21 |
| Lentils, cooked (1 cup) |
731 |
19 |
| Kidney beans, cooked
(1 cup) |
713 |
18 |
| Split
peas, cooked (1 cup) |
710 |
18 |
| White navy beans, cooked (1 cup) |
669 |
17 |
| Butternut squash, cooked (1 cup) |
583 |
15 |
| Watermelon (1/16) |
560 |
14 |
| Raisins (1/2 cup) |
553 |
14 |
| Yogurt,
low-fat, plain (1 cup) |
531 |
14 |
| Orange juice, frozen (1 cup) |
503 |
13 |
| Brussel sprouts, cooked (1 cup) |
494 |
13 |
| Zucchini, cooked, sliced (1 cup) |
456 |
12 |
| Banana (medium) |
451 |
12 |
| Collards, frozen, cooked
(1 cup) |
427 |
11 |
| Cantaloupe
(1/4) |
412 |
11 |
| Milk,
low-fat 1% (1 cup) |
348 |
9 |
| Broccoli, frozen, cooked (1 cup) |
332 |
9 |
The daily amount of potassium needed is defined in several different
ways. Because lack of potassium is rare, there is no RDA or RNI for this mineral.
However, it is thought that 1600 to 2000 mg (40 to 50 milliequivalents [mEq])
per day for adults is adequate.
Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine,
the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will
do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For potassium supplements,
the following should be considered:
Allergies--Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or
allergic reaction to potassium preparations. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist
if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives,
or dyes.
Pregnancy--Potassium supplements have not been shown to cause
problems in humans.
Breast-feeding--Potassium supplements pass into breast milk. However,
this medicine has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.
Children--Although there is no specific information comparing
use of potassium supplements in children with use in other age groups, they
are not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than
they do in adults.
Older adults--Many medicines have not been studied specifically
in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly
the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information
comparing use of potassium supplements in the elderly with use in other age
groups, they are not expected to cause different side effects or problems
in older people than they do in younger adults.
Older adults may be at a greater risk of developing high blood levels of
potassium (hyperkalemia).
Other medicines--Although certain medicines should not be used
together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together
even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to
change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking
potassium supplements, it is especially important that your doctor and pharmacist
know if you are taking any of the following:
-
Amantadine (e.g., Symmetrel) or
-
Anticholinergics (medicine for abdominal or stomach spasms or cramps)
or
-
Antidepressants (medicine for depression) or
-
Antidyskinetics (medicine for Parkinson's disease or other conditions
affecting control of muscles) or
-
Antihistamines or
-
Antipsychotic medicine (medicine for mental illness) or
-
Buclizine (e.g., Bucladin) or
-
Carbamazepine (e.g., Tegretol) or
-
Cyclizine (e.g., Marezine) or
-
Cyclobenzaprine (e.g., Flexeril) or
-
Disopyramide (e.g., Norpace) or
-
Flavoxate (e.g., Urispas) or
-
Ipratropium (e.g., Atrovent) or
-
Meclizine (e.g., Antivert) or
-
Methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin) or
-
Orphenadrine (e.g., Norflex) or
-
Oxybutynin (e.g., Ditropan) or
-
Procainamide (e.g., Pronestyl) or
-
Promethazine (e.g., Phenergan) or
-
Quinidine (e.g., Quinidex) or
-
Trimeprazine (e.g., Temaril)--Use with potassium supplements
may cause or worsen certain stomach or intestine problems
-
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (benazepril [e.g.,
Lotensin], captopril [e.g., Capoten], enalapril [e.g., Vasotec], fosinopril
[e.g., Monotril], lisinopril [e.g., Prinivil, Zestril], quinapril [e.g., Accupril],
ramipril [e.g., Altace]) or
-
Amiloride (e.g., Midamor) or
-
Beta-adrenergic blocking agents (acebutolol [e.g., Sectral], atenolol
[e.g., Tenormin], betaxolol [e.g., Kerlone], carteolol [e.g., Cartrol], labetalol
[e.g., Normodyne], metoprolol [e.g., Lopressor], nadolol [e.g., Corgard],
oxprenolol [e.g., Trasicor], penbutolol [e.g., Levatol], pindolol [e.g., Visken],
propranolol [e.g., Inderal], sotalol [e.g., Sotacor], timolol [e.g., Blocadren])
or
-
Heparin (e.g., Panheprin) or
-
Inflammation or pain medicine (except narcotics) or
-
Potassium-containing medicines (other) or
-
Salt substitutes, low-salt foods, or milk or
-
Spironolactone (e.g., Aldactone) or
-
Triamterene (e.g., Dyrenium)--Use with potassium supplements
may further increase potassium blood levels, which may cause or worsen heart
problems
-
Digitalis glycosides (heart medicine)--Use with potassium supplements
may make heart problems worse
-
Thiazide diuretics (water pills)--If you have been taking a
potassium supplement and a thiazide diuretic together, stopping the thiazide
diuretic may cause hyperkalemia (high blood levels of potassium)
Other medical problems--The presence of other medical
problems may affect the use of potassium supplements. Make sure you tell your
doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
-
Addison's disease (underactive adrenal glands) or
-
Dehydration (excessive loss of body water, continuing or severe)
-
Diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes) or
-
Kidney disease--Potassium supplements may increase the risk
of hyperkalemia (high blood levels of potassium), which may worsen or cause
heart problems in patients with these conditions
-
Diarrhea (continuing or severe)--The loss of fluid in combination
with potassium supplements may cause kidney problems, which may increase the
risk of hyperkalemia (high blood levels of potassium)
-
Heart disease--Potassium supplements may make this condition
worse
-
Intestinal or esophageal blockage--Potassium supplements may
damage the intestines
-
Stomach ulcer--Potassium supplements may make this condition
worse
Proper Use of This Medicine
For patients
taking the liquid form
of this medicine:
-
This medicine must be diluted
in at least
one-half glass (4 ounces) of cold water or juice to reduce its possible stomach-irritating
or laxative effect.
-
If you are on a salt (sodium)-restricted diet, check with your doctor
before using tomato juice to dilute your medicine. Tomato juice has a high
salt content.
For patients taking the soluble granule, soluble powder,
or soluble tablet form
of this medicine:
-
This medicine must be completely dissolved in at least one-half glass
(4 ounces) of cold water or juice to reduce its possible stomach-irritating
or laxative effect.
-
Allow any ``fizzing'' to stop before taking the dissolved medicine.
-
If you are on a salt (sodium)-restricted diet, check with your doctor
before using tomato juice to dilute your medicine. Tomato juice has a high
salt content.
For patients taking the extended-release tablet form
of this medicine:
-
Swallow the tablets whole with a full (8-ounce) glass of water. Do
not chew or suck on the tablet.
-
Some tablets may be broken or crushed and sprinkled on applesauce
or other soft food. However, check with your doctor or pharmacist first, since
this should not be done for most tablets.
-
If you have trouble swallowing tablets or if they seem to stick in
your throat, check with your doctor. When this medicine is not properly released,
it can cause irritation that may lead to ulcers.
For patients taking the extended-release capsule form
of this medicine:
-
Do not crush or chew the capsule. Swallow the capsule whole with
a full (8-ounce) glass of water.
-
Some capsules may be opened and the contents sprinkled on applesauce
or other soft food. However, check with your doctor or pharmacist first, since
this should not be done for most capsules.
Take this medicine immediately after meals or with
food to lessen possible stomach upset or laxative action
.
Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor
. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take
it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. This is
especially important if you are also taking both diuretics (water pills) and
digitalis medicines for your heart
.
Dosing--The dose of these single or combination medicines
will be different for different patients. Follow your
doctor's orders or the directions on the label
. The following information
includes only the average dose of these medicines. If
your dose is different, do not change it
unless your doctor tells you
to do so.
The number of ounces of solution that you drink, or the number of tablets
or capsules you take, depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between
doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical
problem for which you are taking the single or combination medicine
.
For potassium bicarbonate
-
For oral
dosage form (tablets for solution):
-
To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
-
Adults and teenagers--25 to 50 milliequivalents (mEq) dissolved
in one-half to one glass of cold water, taken one or two times a day. Your
doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more
than 100 mEq a day.
-
Children--Dose must be determined by your doctor.
For potassium bicarbonate and potassium chloride
-
For oral
dosage form (granules for solution):
-
To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
-
Adults and teenagers--20 milliequivalents (mEq) dissolved in
one-half to one glass of cold water, taken one or two times a day. Your doctor
may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than
100 mEq a day.
-
Children--Dose must be determined by your doctor.
-
For oral
dosage form (tablets for solution):
-
To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
-
Adults and teenagers--20, 25, or 50 mEq dissolved in one-half
to one glass of cold water, taken one or two times a day. Your doctor may
change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100
mEq a day.
-
Children--Dose must be determined by your doctor.
For potassium bicarbonate and potassium citrate
-
For oral
dosage form (tablets for solution):
-
To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
-
Adults and teenagers--25 or 50 milliequivalents (mEq) dissolved
in one-half to one glass of cold water, taken one or two times a day. Your
doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more
than 100 mEq a day.
-
Children--Dose must be determined by your doctor.
For potassium chloride
-
For oral
dosage form (extended-release
capsules):
-
To replace potassium lost by the body:
-
Adults and teenagers--40 to 100 milliequivalents (mEq) a day,
divided into two or three smaller doses during the day. Your doctor may change
the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a
day.
-
To prevent potassium loss:
-
Adults and teenagers--16 to 24 mEq a day, divided into two or
three smaller doses during the day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed.
However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
-
Children--Dose must be determined by your doctor.
-
For oral
dosage form (liquid for solution):
-
To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
-
Adults and teenagers--20 mEq mixed into one-half glass of cold
water or juice, taken one to four times a day. Your doctor may change the
dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
-
Children--Dose is based on body weight and must be determined
by your doctor. The usual dose is 1 to 3 mEq of potassium per kilogram (kg)
(0.45 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight taken in smaller doses during
the day. The solution should be well mixed in water or juice.
-
For oral
dosage form (powder for solution):
-
To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
-
Adults and teenagers--15 to 25 mEq dissolved in four to six
ounces of cold water, taken two or four times a day. Your doctor may change
the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a
day.
-
Children--Dose is based on body weight and must be determined
by your doctor. The usual dose is 1 to 3 mEq per kg (0.45 to 1.36 mEq per
pound) of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution
should be mixed into water or juice.
-
For oral
dosage form (powder for suspension):
-
To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
-
Adults and teenagers--20 mEq dissolved in two to six ounces
of cold water, taken one to five times a day. Your doctor may change the dose
if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
-
Children--Dose must be determined by your doctor.
-
For oral
dosage form (extended-release
tablets):
-
To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
-
Adults and teenagers--6.7 to 20 mEq taken three times a day.
However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
-
Children--Dose must be determined by your doctor.
For potassium gluconate
-
For oral
dosage form (liquid for solution):
-
To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
-
Adults and teenagers--20 milliequivalents (mEq) mixed into one-half
glass of cold water or juice, taken two to four times a day. Your doctor may
change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100
mEq a day.
-
Children--Dose is based on body weight and must be determined
by your doctor. The usual dose is 2 to 3 mEq per kilogram (kg) (0.9 to 1.36
mEq per pound) of body weight a day, taken in smaller doses during the day.
The solution should be completely mixed into water or juice.
-
For oral
dosage form (tablets):
-
To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
-
Adults and teenagers--5 to 10 mEq taken two to four times a
day. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
-
Children--Dose must be determined by your doctor.
For potassium gluconate and potassium chloride
-
For oral
dosage form (liquid for solution):
-
To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
-
Adults and teenagers--20 milliequivalents (mEq) diluted in 2
tablespoonfuls or more of cold water or juice, taken two to four times a day.
Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take
more than 100 mEq a day.
-
Children--Dose is based on body weight and must be determined
by your doctor. The usual dose is 2 to 3 mEq per kilogram (kg) (0.9 to 1.36
mEq per pound) of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution
should be well mixed into water or juice.
-
For oral
dosage form (powder for solution):
-
To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
-
Adults and teenagers--20 mEq mixed in 2 tablespoonfuls or more
of cold water or juice taken two to four times a day. Your doctor may change
the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a
day.
-
Children--Dose is base on body weight and must be determined
by your doctor. The usual dose is 2 to 3 mEq per kg (0.9 to 1.36 mEq per pound)
of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should
be well mixed into water or juice.
For potassium gluconate and potassium citrate
-
For oral
dosage form (liquid for solution):
-
To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
-
Adults and teenagers--20 milliequivalents (mEq) mixed into one-half
glass of cold water or juice, taken two to four times a day. Your doctor may
change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100
mEq a day.
-
Children--Dose is based on body weight and must be determined
by your doctor. The usual dose is 2 to 3 mEq per kg (0.9 to 1.36 mEq per pound)
of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should
be well mixed into water or juice.
For trikates
-
For oral
dosage form (liquid for solution):
-
To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
-
Adults and teenagers--15 milliequivalents (mEq) mixed into one-half
glass of cold water or juice, taken three or four times a day. Your doctor
may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than
100 mEq a day.
-
Children--Dose is based on body weight and must be determined
by your doctor. The usual dose is 2 to 3 mEq per kilogram (kg) (0.9 to 1.36
mEq per pound) of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution
should be well mixed into water or juice.
Missed dose--If you miss a dose of this medicine and remember
within 2 hours, take the missed dose right away with food or liquids. Then
go back to your regular dosing schedule. However, if you do not remember until
later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do
not double doses.
Storage--To store this medicine:
-
Keep out of the reach of children.
-
Store away from heat and direct light.
-
Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other
damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
-
Keep the liquid form of this medicine from freezing.
-
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure
that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions While Using This Medicine
Your
doctor should check your progress at regular visits to make sure the medicine
is working properly and that possible side effects are avoided. Laboratory
tests may be necessary.
Do not use salt substitutes, eat low-sodium foods,
especially some breads and canned foods, or drink low-sodium milk unless you
are told to do so by your doctor, since these products may contain potassium.
It is important to read the labels carefully on all low-sodium food products
.
Check with your doctor before starting any physical exercise program, especially
if you are out of condition and are taking any other medicine. Exercise and
certain medicines may increase the amount of potassium in the blood.
Check with your doctor at once if you notice blackish
stools or other signs of stomach or intestinal bleeding
. This medicine
may cause such a condition to become worse, especially when taken in tablet
form.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects.
Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may
need medical attention.
Stop taking this medicine
and check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects
occur
:
Less common
Confusion; irregular or slow heartbeat; numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips; shortness of breath or difficult breathing; unexplained anxiety; unusual tiredness or weakness; weakness or heaviness of legs
Also, check with your doctor
if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
Abdominal or stomach pain, cramping, or soreness (continuing); chest or throat pain, especially when swallowing; stools with signs of blood (red or black color)
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical
attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts
to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side
effects continue or are bothersome:
Sometimes you may see what appears to be
a whole tablet in the stool after taking certain extended-release potassium
chloride tablets. This is to be expected. Your body has absorbed the potassium
from the tablet and the shell is then expelled.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in
some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
