Potassium chloride contraindications

List of contraindications
Hyperalkemia Cardiac patients with esophageal compression due to enlarged left atrium Patients with arrest/delay in tablet passage through the GI tract

Hyperalkemia
Potassium supplements are contraindicated in patients with hyperkalemia since a further increase in serum potassium concentration in such patients can produce cardiac arrest. Hyperkalemia may complicate any of the following conditions: chronic renal failure, systemic acidosis such as diabetic acidosis, acute dehydration, extensive tissue breakdown as in severe burns, adrenal insufficiency, or the administration of a potassium-sparing diuretic (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride). Return to top

Cardiac patients with esophageal compression due to enlarged left atrium
Controlled release formulations of Potassium chloride have produced esophageal ulceration in certain cardiac patients with esophageal compression due to enlarged left atrium. Potassium supplementation, when indicated in such patients, should be given as a liquid preparation or as an aqueous (water) suspension of Potassium chloride extended-release tablets. Return to top

Patients with arrest/delay in tablet passage through the GI tract
All solid oral dosage forms of Potassium chloride are contraindicated in any patient in whom there is structural, pathological (e.g., diabetic gastroparesis) or pharmacologic (use of anticholinergic agents or other agents with anticholinergic properties at sufficient doses to exert anticholinergic effects) cause for arrest or delay in tablet passage through the gastrointestinal tract. Return to top