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Generic Name: Potassium chloride, sustained action
Brand Name(s):
Information updated: April 1, 2000
Overview
K-Dur is a brand of controlled-release potassium chloride tablet.
Although potassium is found in many foods (including apricots, bananas,
beets, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, fish, peaches, potatoes, squash,
tomatoes), long-term use of potassium-wasting diuretics can sometimes deplete
the body of this essential mineral.
Severe diarrhea, especially with
vomiting, and some metabolic disorders may also create a need for potassium
replacement.
Side Effects and Interactions
The most common reactions to potassium
supplements such as K-Dur are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache, and
flatulence.
Any severe digestive disturbance or other symptom should be
reported to the doctor promptly. Rash may occur rarely.
Symptoms of too
much potassium include breathing difficulty, changes in heart rhythm, weakness,
tiredness, and confusion.
High potassium levels sometimes cause no
symptoms except life-threatening irregular heart rhythms.
Medications
such as Accupril, Altace, Monopril, or Vasotec help the body conserve potassium
and may lead to potassium overload in conjunction with a potassium supplement
such as K-Dur.
Frequent monitoring becomes even more crucial if both
drugs are prescribed.
Certain drugs, such as Bentyl or Pro-Banthine, can
slow the digestive tract down. This may increase the risk of a tablet becoming
lodged and causing intestinal irritation.
Check with your pharmacist and
physician about this or any other drugs you take with K-Dur.
Special Precautions
Too much potassium is just as dangerous as too little.
Anyone on K-Dur or other potassium supplement needs to have the blood level monitored regularly to make sure it is between 3.5 and 5.2 mEq/L.
This medicine is usually inappropriate for people on potassium-sparing diuretics (amiloride, Dyazide, spironolactone).
Another type of potassium chloride tablet has been associated with injury to the small bowel.
Although no such problems have been reported with K-Dur, doctors are urged to prescribe extended-release tablets only for those patients who can't or won't take liquid or effervescent potassium preparations.
Patients should notify the physician immediately if they develop abdominal pain, severe vomiting, or bloody or black, tarry stools.
Taking the Medicine
K-Dur should be taken with or right after meals with a full glass of water.
Do not chew
or crush tablets before swallowing.
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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio.
© 2000