Indications: potassium depletion as in diarrhoea; patients on digoxin and antiarrhythmic drugs; conditions in which secondary hyperaldosteronism occurs like nephrotic syndrome and liver cirrhosis; hypokalaemia.

Cautions: intestinal stricture, hiatus hernia (for sustained release tablets). For IV infusion, the concentration should not exceed 3.2 g (43 mmole) /liter; the solution must not be injected undiluted.

Contra-indications: renal failure, plasma potassium concentration above 5 mmole/ litre. Rapid injection may be toxic to heart.

Side Effects: nausea and vomiting (severe symptoms may indicate obstruction), oesophageal or small bowel ulcers.

Dose: by mouth, prophylactic administration, 25-50 mmole of K+ daily for established potassium depletion, 135-200 mmole daily may be needed.

By parenteral route, the max. dosage is 20 mmole potassium per hour. It is recommended not to exceed 2-3 mmole potassium per kg bodyweight in 24 hours.

The injectable solution should be diluted as additive to large volume intravenous infusion i.e. 10ml diluted with not less than 500ml of a suitable diluent such as NaCl 0.9% fluid.