Potassium or potassium is a mineral supplement to treat hypokalemia or potassium deficiency (lack of). Potassium plays an important role in maintaining a healthy heart, kidneys, nerves, regulates blood balance body fluids, and muscle contraction.
Naturally, the need for potassium can be fulfilled by regularly consuming bananas, broccoli, beans, potatoes, chicken or beef, fish, milk, and cereals.
In addition, potassium can also be obtained in the form of tablet supplements and injectable liquids. Potassium supplements are given to people with hypokalemia who cannot meet their nutritional intake adequacy from food.
Hypokalemia is a condition of low potassium levels in the body. This condition is at risk for someone who is taking diuretic drugs or is experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, alcoholism, Crohn's disease, or eating disorders.
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What is Potassium
| group | Over-the-counter and prescription drugs |
| Category | Mineral supplements |
| Benefit | Treat and prevent potassium deficiency |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Potassium supplements for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether potassium supplements are absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this supplement without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets, injectable fluids |
Warnings Before Using Potassium Supplements
The following are things you need to pay attention to before using potassium supplements:
- Do not use potassium supplements if you are allergic to the ingredients in these supplements. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Do not take potassium supplements if you have hyperkalemia or are taking potassium-sparing diuretics.
- Talk to your doctor first about taking potassium supplements if you have diarrhea, dehydration, stomach ulcers, intestinal obstruction, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or Addison's disease.
- Talk to your doctor first if you plan to take potassium supplements with certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you experience an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after using potassium supplements.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Potassium
The following are doses of potassium supplements to prevent and treat hypokalemia:
Potassium supplement tablets
- Mature: The preventive dose is 20 mEq per day, while for treatment 40-100 mEq per day divided into several doses. The maximum dose is 40 mEq per drink and 200 mEq per day, adjusted for potassium levels in the blood.
- Children: The preventive dose is 1 mEq/kgBW to 3 mEq/kgBW per day, while for treatment it is 2–4 mEq/kgBW per day divided into several doses. The maximum dose is up to 100 mEq per day and 40 mEq per administration.
Injectable potassium supplements
- Mature: The dose is adjusted to the level of potassium in the blood and the results of the ECG (electrocardiography) examination. The recommended dose is 10 mEq per hour if given by slow drip or central intravenous infusion.
Nutrient Adequacy Rate (RDA) Potassium
Daily potassium needs can be met from food, supplements, or a combination of the two. The following is the nutritional adequacy rate (RDA) of potassium per day based on age and gender:
- 0–6 months old: 400 mg
- Age 7–12 months: 860 mg
- Ages 1-3 years: 2,000 mg
- Ages 4–8 years: 2,300 mg
- Men ages 9–13 years: 2,500 mg
- Men ages 14–18 years: 3,000 mg
- Men ages 19–50 years: 3,400 mg
- Male age 50 years: 3,400 mg
- Women ages 9–18 years: 2,300 mg
- Women ages 19–50 years: 2,600 mg
- Women aged 50 years: 2,600 mg
Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers need more potassium intake, which is 2,600-2,900 mg per day for pregnant women and 2,600-2,800 mg per day for nursing mothers.
How to Use Potassium Supplements Correctly
Vitamin and mineral supplements are consumed to complement the body's need for vitamins and minerals, especially when the intake of vitamins and minerals from food cannot meet the body's needs.
Use a potassium supplement tablet according to the information stated on the package. When in doubt, discuss with your doctor to find out the right dose for your condition. Keep in mind, the administration of injectable potassium supplements will be carried out by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
Potassium supplements can be taken before or after meals. Take this supplement in its entirety. Do not split, chew, or crush the supplement as this may affect its effectiveness.
Do not take potassium tablets by sucking because they can cause irritation to the mouth and throat.
If you forget to take a potassium tablet supplement, take it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
If you are prescribed potassium supplements by a doctor, do not stop using these supplements without your doctor's approval because they may worsen your condition. Doctors will monitor the effectiveness of treatment by conducting regular blood tests and ECGs.
Store potassium supplements in a closed container at room temperature, in a dry place, away from heat and direct sunlight. Keep this supplement out of reach of children.
Potassium Interactions with Other Drugs
The use of potassium together with other drugs can cause drug interactions. Some of the effects of drug interactions that can arise are:
- Increased risk of hyperkalemia which can be fatal when used with ACE inhibitors inhibitor, ARBs, ciclosporin, alisicren, or potassium-sparing diuretics, such as amiloride or spironolactone
- Increased risk of irritation in the digestive tract when used with atropine
- Enhanced antiarrhythmic effect of quinidine
- Decreased blood potassium level when used with glucose infusion
In addition, be careful using potassium supplements with foods that are also rich in potassium, because it can increase the risk of hyperkalemia.
Potassium Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the mild side effects that may appear after using potassium supplements are flatulence, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea. Stop using potassium supplements and see a doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or develop serious side effects, such as:
- Slowed or irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or around the mouth
- Stomach pain or severe diarrhea
- Constant thirst
- Coughing up blood or vomiting blood
- Bloody or black stools
- Body feels weak or feels like passing out