Alcal

Alcal Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

Potassium chloride is a major cation of the intracellular fluid. It plays an active role in the conduction of nerve impulses in the heart, brain and skeletal muscle; contraction of cardiac skeletal and smooth muscles; maintenance of normal renal function, acid-base balance, carbohydrate metabolism and gastric secretion.

The potassium ion is in the principle intracellular cation of most body tissues. Potassium ions participate in a number of essential physiological processes including the maintenance of intracellular tonicity, the transmission of nerve impulses, the contraction of cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle, and the maintenance of normal renal function. The intracellular concentration of potassium is approximately 150 to 160 mEq per liter. The normal adult plasma concentration is 3.5 to 5 mEq per liter. An active ion transport system maintains this gradient across the plasma membrane. Potassium is a normal dietary constituent and under steady-state conditions the amount of potassium absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract is equal to the amount excreted in the urine. The usual dietary intake of potassium is 50 to 100 mEq per day. Potassium depletion will occur whenever the rate of potassium loss through renal excretion and/or loss from the gastrointestinal tract exceeds the rate of potassium intake. Such depletion usually develops as a consequence of therapy with diuretics, primarily or secondary hyperaldosteronism, diabetic ketoacidosis, or inadequate replacement of potassium in patients on prolonged parenteral nutrition. Depletion can develop rapidly with severe diarrhea, especially if associated with vomiting. Potassium depletion due to these causes is usually accompanied by concomitant loss of chloride and is manifested by hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. Potassium depletion may produce weakness, fatigue, disturbances of cardiac rhythm (primarily ectopic beats), prominent U-waves in the electrocardiogram, and, in advanced cases, flaccid paralysis and/or impaired ability to concentrate urine. If potassium depletion associated with metabolic alkalosis cannot be managed by correcting the fundamental cause of the deficiency, e.g., where the patient requires long-term diuretic therapy, supplemental potassium in the form of high potassium food or potassium chloride may be able to restore normal potassium levels. In rare circumstances (e.g., patients with renal tubular acidosis) potassium depletion may be associated with metabolic acidosis and hyperchloremia. In such patients, potassium replacement should be accomplished with potassium salts other than the chloride, such as potassium bicarbonate, potassium citrate, potassium acetate, or potassium gluconate.

Trade Name Alcal
Generic Potassium Chloride
Potassium Chloride Other Names Chlorid draselny, Chloride of potash, Kaliumchlorid, Monopotassium chloride, Muriate of potash, Potassium chloride, Sylvite
Type Tablet (algen), Tablet, Capsule
Formula ClK
Weight Average: 74.551
Monoisotopic: 73.932559568
Groups Approved, Withdrawn
Therapeutic Class Electrolytes preparations, Oral electrolytes preparations
Manufacturer Algen Healthcare Pvt Ltd, Highnoon Laboratories Ltd,, Alkem Laboratories Ltd, Indkus Biotech India
Available Country India, Pakistan
Last Updated: September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am
Alcal
Alcal

Uses

Potassium chloride is used for drug induced hypokalemia, liver cirrhosis, nausea, vomiting, cholera, diarrhoea, muscular weakness, paralysis, cardiac and congestive heart failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, ulcerative colitis, weakness, anorexia, drowsiness, Cushing's syndrome, pyloric stenosis, low blood pressure etc.

Alcal is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Dehydration, Dry Mouth, Hypokalemia, Hypotonic Dehydration, Hypovolaemia, Isotonic Dehydration, Markedly Reduced Food Intake, Metabolic Acidosis, Hypodermoclysis, Mild Metabolic acidosis, Mild, moderate Metabolic Acidosis, Ocular edema, Acid-Base Balance, Bowel preparation therapy, Electrolyte replacement, Fluid replacement therapy, Hemodialysis Treatment, Hemofiltration, Parenteral Nutrition, Parenteral rehydration therapy, Plasma Volume Replacement, Urine alkalinization therapy, Fluid and electrolyte maintenance therapy

How Alcal works

Supplemental potassium in the form of high potassium food or potassium chloride may be able to restore normal potassium levels.

Dosage

Alcal dosage

Oral: Dosage must be adjusted to the individual needs of each patient.

  • Adults: In severe deficiencies 3-6 tablets or 4-8 teaspoonful or 25-50 mmol per day orally in divided doses for some days with fruit juice, sweet or plain water.
  • Children: ½-1 teaspoonful twice daily or 1-3 mmol/kg body weight a day in several divided doses.

Patient should take Potassium chloride with meals.

Intravenous: 

Severe acute hypokalaemia:

  • Adult: If serum potassium level >2.5 mEq/L, give at a rate not exceeding 10 mEq/hr in a concentration of up to 40 mEq/L. Max dose: 200 mEq/24 hr. If serum potassium level <2 mEq/L, may infuse at a rate of up to 40 mEq/hr. Continuous cardiac monitoring is essential. Max dose: 400 mEq/24 hr.

75 mg KCl equivalent to 1 mmol K+

Side Effects

GI ulceration (sometimes with haemorrhage and perforation or with late formation of strictures) following the use of enteric-coated K chloride preparation; hyperkalaemia. Oral: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. IV: Pain or phloebitis; cardiac toxicity.

Toxicity

The administration of oral potassium salts to persons with normal excretory mechanisms for potassium rarely causes serious hyperkalemia. However, if excretory mechanisms are impaired, of if potassium is administered too rapidly intravenously, potentially fatal hyperkalemia can result. It is important to recognize that hyperkalemia is usually asymptomatic and may be manifested only by an increased serum potassium concentration (6.5-8.0 mEq/L) and characteristic electrocardiographic changes (peaking of T-waves, loss of P-wave, depression of S-T segment, and prolongation of the QT interval). Late manifestations include muscle paralysis and cardiovascular collapse from cardiac arrest (9-12 mEq/L).

Precaution

Renal or adrenocortical insufficiency; cardiac disease; acute dehydration; extensive tissue destruction. Pregnancy. Ensure adequate urine output; monitor plasma-potassium and other electrolyte concentrations. Discontinue treatment if severe nausea, vomiting or abdominal distress develops. Accumulation of potassium may occur in renal impairment.

Interaction

Potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ciclosporin and potassium-containing drugs. Antimuscarinics delay gastric emptying time consequently increasing risk of GI adverse effects esp of solid oral dosage forms.

Food Interaction

  • Take with a full glass of water.
  • Take with food. This reduces gastrointestinal irritation.

Elimination Route

Potassium is a normal dietary constituent and under steady-state conditions the amount of potassium absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract is equal to the amount excreted in the urine.

Elimination Route

Potassium is a normal dietary constituent and, under steady-state conditions, the amount of potassium absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract is equal to the amount excreted in the urine. Potassium depletion will occur whenever the rate of potassium loss through renal excretion and/or loss from the gastrointestinal tract exceeds the rate of potassium intake.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Category C: Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the foetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.

Contraindication

Hyperchloraemia, severe renal or adrenal insufficiency.

Storage Condition

Intravenous: Store at 15-30° C.

Oral: Store below 30° C.

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here Alcal

Alcal contains Potassium Chloride see full prescribing information from innovator Alcal Monograph, Alcal MSDS, Alcal FDA label

FAQ

What is Alcal used for?

Alcal is used as a medication to treat and prevent low blood potassium. Low blood potassium may occur due to vomiting, diarrhea, or certain medications. The concentrated version should be diluted before use.

How safe is Alcal?

Alcal could be considered safe for the general adult population.

How does Alcal work?

Alcal works by replacing lost potassium and preventing a deficiency.

What are the common side effects of Alcal?

Common side effects of Alcal are include upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, gas, or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Is Alcal safe during pregnancy?

This Alcal may be given to a pregnant woman if her healthcare provider believes that its benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh any possible risks to her unborn baby.

Is Alcal safe during breastfeeding?

Use is generally considered acceptable; benefit to mother should outweigh risk to the infant. Use under the supervision of a physician.

When should be taken of Alcal?

Take Alcal with food or just after a meal if this medicine upsets your stomach. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup.

How many time can I take Alcal daily?

Alcal taken two to four times a day.

How long does Alcal take to work?

Tablets start disintegrating within a few minutes; however, potassium chloride tablets are released slowly over several hours which reduces the risk of stomach irritation. Alcal is usually taken once daily until potassium levels are within the normal range.

How long does Alcal stay in my system?

Increased urinary potassium excretion is first observed 1 hour after administration of Alcal  Extended-release Tablets, reaches a peak at approximately 4 hours, and extends up to 8 hours.

Can I take Alcal for a long time?

Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed. Do not take more than 20 milliequivalents per dose.

Is it safe to take a Alcal supplement daily?

You can take Alcal supplements every day if your doctor has advised you to do so.

When should I stop taking Alcal?

Stop using this Alcal and call your doctor at once if you have: severe throat irritation; stomach bloating, severe vomiting, severe stomach pain; high potassium level - nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement.

Can I stop taking Alcal?

Do not stop taking Alcal without your doctor's advice as it may worsen your condition.

Who should not take Alcal?

You should not use Alcal if you have high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia), or if you also take a "potassium-sparing" diuretic. You should not use potassium chloride if you are allergic to it, or if: you have high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia); or you take a "potassium-sparing" diuretic (water pill) such as amiloride, spironolactone, or triamterene.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention. Overdose symptoms may include irregular heartbeats, chest pain, or muscle weakness.

Can Alcal cause heart problems?

The risks associated with intravenous potassium chloride are well known. If it is injected too rapidly or in too high a dose, it may cause cardiac arrest within minutes. The effect of hyperkalaemia on the heart is complex – virtually any arrhythmia may be observed.

Can Alcal affect my kidneys?

Alcal is a mineral and an electrolyte that the body requires to support key processes. It is one of the seven essential macrominerals and plays a role in the function of the kidneys. Having too much or too little potassium can result in complications that affect the kidneys.

Can Alcal cause liver problems?

Low serum Alcal level is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and its related metabolic disorders.

Is Alcal good for high blood pressure?

Clinical and epidemiologic studies suggest that the intake of Alcal lowers blood pressure.

*** Taking medicines without doctor's advice can cause long-term problems.
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