The oral route is the preferred mode of potassium replacement therapy in hypokalemia. Separate order must be entered into EPIC for oral replacement. Intravenous therapy should be reserved for those with malfunctioning gut, neurological symptoms, cardiac arrhythmias, digitalis toxicity, and recent or ongoing cardiac ischemia. Oral and intravenous replacement can occur simultaneously. ... Gastrointestinal Lesions --Solid oral dosage forms of potassium chloride can produce ulcerative and/or stenotic lesions of the gastrointestinal tract.

Potassium Chloride for Oral Solution, is a light pink to orange powder available in one strength as follows: 20 mEq NDC# 54288-125-01 pouch. replace potassium depending on the clinical situation In children with stable hemodynamics and no ECG changes, aim for a gradual correction over 24-48 hours.

Enteral potassium replacement (EPR), with its superior safety profile may be a better alternative to IVPR. This treatment is similar to the treatment of severe hypokalemia. Oral potassium replacement is generally preferable to supplementation. • Oral is the preferred route of administration for potassium replacement, as it is easy to administer and readily absorbed from the GI tract. Bicarbonate and lactate Sodium bicarbonate is used to control severe metabolic acidosis (pH<7.1) particularly that caused by loss of bicarbonate (as in renal tubular acidosis or from excessive gastro-intestinal losses). Drug therapy / treatment options General notes. Description and Brand Names; Before Using; Proper Use; Precautions; Side Effects; Products and services. Prescribing and dispensing information.

Thus repeated measurements of the serum potassium … PRACTICE QUESTION.

Hypokalemia is defined as a serum or plasma potassium that is less than the normal value. 9) Monitoring the plasma potassium level as an index of total body potassium is like evaluating the size of an iceberg by its tip since only 2% of total body potassium is extracellular. Serum Potassium < 3.0 mEq/L (total body deficit 200-300 meq) Give KCl 20 meq orally every 2 hours for 4 doses, then recheck level; Typically continue Potassium Replacement at 20 meq twice daily for 4-5 days; Serum Potassium: 3.0 to 3.5 mEq/L (total body deficit 100-200 meq) With oral use. Side Effects. • Replacement fluid volume is a major issue during parenteral potassium replacement (as one litre per hour IV fluid is not appropriate in the usual clinical setting). Oral KCl powder 20 meq in water or juice or KCl tablets. Drug therapy / treatment options General notes. Continuous cardiac monitoring and infusion via a central venous catheter are recommended for infusion rates >10 meq potassium per hour.