KCL RETARD ® - Potassium

KCL RETARD ® is a potassium chloride drug

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Minerals - Potassium

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications KCL RETARD ® - Potassium

KCL RETARD ® is indicated in the prevention and treatment of potassium deficiencies, including symptoms.

Prolonged diarrhea and vomiting, use of thiazide diuretics, treatment with digitalis, abuse of laxatives, liver and kidney diseases, are only some of the conditions associated with a marked potassium deficiency.

Mechanism of action KCL RETARD ® - Potassium

KCL RETARD ® is a drug capable of gradually releasing potassium chloride at the level of the gastro-enteric mucosa, thus ensuring a delayed absorption and above all avoiding the accumulation in granules, potentially dangerous given the irritative capacity towards the various mucous membranes.

The potassium taken is largely part of the endogenous potassium pull, acting as a cofactor of many enzymes, involved mainly in the catabolic and ergogenic pathways, and reconstituting the intracellular share of this trace element, necessary both to maintain the correct cellular osmolarity and the membrane potential, useful in the genesis of the action potential, therefore in the neuro-muscular conductivity.

Potassium deficiencies, fortunately rare given the abundant presence in nature of this mineral, however, have repercussions on numerous biological activities, manifesting themselves macroscopically with severe asthenia and malaise and reduced capacity for nervous transmission.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

1.PASSASSIUS AND HEMOSTASIS

Acta Cardiol. 2011 Oct; 66 (5): 635-9.

An interesting study that demonstrates how potassium supplementation could improve haemostatic abnormalities induced by high-saline diets, reducing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases.

2. THE CONSEQUENCES OF POTASSIUM ABUSE

West J Emerg Med. 2010 Feb; 11 (1): 57-9.

An emblematic case report, which shows how the excessive administration of potassium, even for the treatment of severe hypokalaemia, could determine a rebound hyperkalemia with fatal consequences for the patient.

3. INTEGRATION WITH POTASSIUM IN THE PURPOSE PATIENTS

Int J Surg. 2008 Aug; 6 (4): 287-8. Epub 2008 Mar 28.

Study focusing on the need to integrate potassium salts in hospitalized patients and undergoing surgical procedures. Despite the important benefits derived from oral supplementation, it is necessary to consider that in bedridden patients the intake of oral potassium could increase the incidence of esophageal ulceration, stenosis and gastritis.

Method of use and dosage

KCL RETARD ®

Tablets for oral prolonged release 600 mg of potassium chloride.

The intake of 1 - 2 tablets for two - three times a day, should be sufficient to satisfy the most demanding needs, and eventually compensate for the deficiency states.

The precise definition of the dosage, however, should be established by the doctor, after a careful medical examination and only after having established the guaranteed potassium intake from the diet.

We recommend taking KCL RETARD ® on a full stomach in order to reduce irritation of the gastric mucosa.

Warnings KCL RETARD ® - Potassium

Before taking KCL RETARD ®, it is necessary to consult your doctor, so that he carefully assesses his state of health, the amount of potassium introduced through the diet and the possible presence of pathological conditions such as nephropathy, hyperkalemia and heart disease, incompatible with the intake of potassium chloride.

In any case, the doctor should periodically supervise the patient's state of health, evaluating the correct kidney function and blood electrolyte concentrations.

It is also useful to remember that the irritating action of the potassium salts on the mucous membranes could aggravate pre-existing complications at the level of the gastric mucosa, worsening the course.

KCL RETARD ® contains sucrose, therefore its intake should be carried out with particular care in diabetic patients or patients suffering from glucose-galactose malabsorption.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

KCL RETARD ® is indicated in the treatment of potassium deficiency states even during pregnancy and in the subsequent period of lactation, provided that this administration is supervised by your doctor.

Interactions

It is useful to remember that the simultaneous intake of potassium-sparing diuretics may accentuate the increase in blood potassium, contributing to the onset of hyperkalaemia and the relative complications.

Contraindications KCL RETARD ® - Potassium

The use of KCL RETARD ® is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the active ingredients or to the relative excipients, hyperkalemia, renal and adrenal insufficiency, uremia, dehydration, diabetic acidosis, reduced gastrointestinal motility and hereditary periodic adinamia.

Undesirable effects - Side effects

The intake of potassium chloride, especially when carried out at high doses, could be responsible for the appearance of abdominal pain, vomiting and irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa up to perforation in the most serious cases.

Overdose may instead be responsible for hyperkalaemia with both renal and cardiac complications.