Kálium-R Bausch Health Ireland Limited (Potassium Chloride)

Kálium‑R (potassium chloride) is used to address conditions related to low potassium levels and to support electrolyte balance.

• Hypokalemia: restores normal serum potassium concentrations in patients with documented deficiency.
• Diuretic‑induced potassium loss: prevents or corrects potassium depletion caused by loop or thiazide diuretics.
• Parenteral nutrition supplementation: provides oral potassium supplementation for patients receiving nutrition support when intravenous potassium is not required.

• Potassium chloride dissociates after oral absorption, releasing potassium ions that are taken up by cells via sodium‑potassium ATPase pumps. The increased extracellular potassium helps re‑establish the normal electrochemical gradient, supporting nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and cardiac electrophysiology. By correcting hypokalemia, it contributes to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and normal physiological function.

Potassium chloride may cause a range of adverse reactions, most of which are dose‑related and reversible.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild to moderate stomach upset after ingestion.
• Abdominal discomfort: cramping or bloating.
• Taste disturbance: metallic or salty taste.
• Diarrhea: loose stools, especially with higher doses.
• Hyperkalemia: elevated serum potassium, usually mild.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe hyperkalemia: can lead to cardiac arrhythmias.
• Allergic reaction: rash, itching, or swelling.
• Muscle weakness: due to electrolyte imbalance.
• Cardiac arrest: extremely high potassium levels.
• Gastrointestinal ulceration: rare with prolonged high‑dose use.

When prescribing potassium chloride, clinicians should consider patient‑specific factors and monitor for safety.

• Renal function: assess kidney performance before initiating therapy.
• Cardiac disease: evaluate baseline ECG in patients with known heart conditions.
• Concomitant potassium‑sparing agents: avoid additive hyperkalemia risk.
• Dosage adjustment: tailor dose to serum potassium targets and patient response.
• Monitoring: check serum potassium levels regularly during treatment.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25°C in the original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Potassium chloride can interact with several medications, altering potassium balance.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: may cause dangerous hyperkalemia.
• Potassium‑sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone): increase risk of excess potassium.
• Trimethoprim‑sulfamethoxazole: can raise serum potassium levels.
• NSAIDs: may impair renal potassium excretion.
• Heparin: can reduce aldosterone, leading to hyperkalemia.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Digoxin: heightened risk of digoxin toxicity with high potassium.
• Beta‑blockers: may mask symptoms of hypoglycemia and affect potassium.
• Insulin: insulin drives potassium into cells, potentially lowering serum levels.
• Corticosteroids: can cause potassium loss, requiring dose adjustments.
• Diuretics (loop or thiazide): increase potassium loss, necessitating supplementation.