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K-Tab: Package Insert / Prescribing Info

Package insert / product label
Generic name: potassium chloride
Dosage form: tablet, film coated, extended release
Drug class: Minerals and electrolytes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 26, 2023.

Highlights of Prescribing Information

These highlights do not include all the information needed to use K-TAB safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for K-TAB.

K-TAB (potassium chloride) extended-release tablets, for oral use

Initial U.S. Approval: 1948


Indications and Usage for K-Tab

K-TAB is a potassium salt indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of hypokalemia with or without metabolic alkalosis in patients for whom dietary management with potassium-rich foods or diuretic dose reduction is insufficient. (1)

K-Tab Dosage and Administration

  • Monitor serum potassium and adjust dosages accordingly (2.1)
  • If serum potassium concentration is less than 2.5 mEq/L, use intravenous potassium instead of oral supplementation (2.1)
  • Take with meals and with a glass of water or other liquid. Swallow tablets whole. (2.1)
  • Treatment of hypokalemia: Typical dose range is 40-100 mEq per day in divided doses. Limit doses to 20 mEq per dose. (2.2)
  • Prevention of hypokalemia: Typical dose is 20 mEq per day (2.2)

Dosage Forms and Strengths

  • 8 mEq (600 mg) oral tablets (3)
  • 10 mEq (750 mg) oral tablets (3)
  • 20 mEq (1500 mg) oral tablets (3)

Contraindications

  • Concomitant use with triamterene and amiloride (4, 7.1)

Warnings and Precautions

  • Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions: Can produce ulcerative and/or stenotic lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly when in prolonged contact with the gastrointestinal mucosa. Take with meals. (5.1)

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Most common adverse reactions are nausea, vomiting, flatulence, abdominal pain/discomfort, and diarrhea (6)



To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact AbbVie Inc. at 1-800-633-9110 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Drug Interactions

  • Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors: Monitor for hyperkalemia (7.2)
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Monitor for hyperkalemia (7.3)

Use In Specific Populations

  • Cirrhosis: Initiate therapy at the low end of the dosing range (8.6)
  • Renal Impairment: Initiate therapy at the low end of the dosing range (8.7)

See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION.

Revised: 4/2018

Full Prescribing Information

1. Indications and Usage for K-Tab

K-TAB is indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of hypokalemia with or without metabolic alkalosis, in patients for whom dietary management with potassium-rich foods or diuretic dose reduction is insufficient.

2. K-Tab Dosage and Administration

2.1 Monitoring and Administration

If serum potassium concentration is less than 2.5 mEq/L, use intravenous potassium instead of oral supplementation.

Monitoring

Monitor serum potassium and adjust the dose based on serum potassium level. Monitor serum potassium periodically during maintenance therapy to ensure potassium remains in desired range.

The treatment of potassium depletion, particularly in the presence of cardiac disease, renal disease, or acidosis, requires careful attention to acid-base balance, volume status, electrolytes, including magnesium, sodium, chloride, phosphate, and calcium, electrocardiograms, and the clinical status of the patient. Correct volume status, acid-base balance, and electrolyte deficits as appropriate.

Administration

Take K-TAB with meals and with a glass of water or other liquid. Do not take on an empty stomach because of its potential for gastric irritation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Swallow tablets whole without crushing, chewing or sucking.

2.2 Dosing

Dosage must be adjusted to the individual needs of each patient. Dosages greater than 20 mEq per day should be divided such that no more than 20 mEq is given in a single dose.

Treatment of hypokalemia: Typical dose range is 40-100 mEq per day.

Prevention of hypokalemia: Typical dose is 20 mEq per day.

3. Dosage Forms and Strengths

  • 8 mEq (600 mg): Round, yellow, debossed extended-release tablets with “K-TAB” on one side
  • 10 mEq (750 mg): Ovaloid, yellow, debossed extended-release tablets with “10” on one side and “K-TAB” on the other side
  • 10 mEq (750 mg): Ovaloid, yellow, debossed extended-release tablets with the “a” logo on one side and “K-TAB” on the other side
  • 20 mEq (1500 mg): Ovaloid, white, debossed extended-release tablets with “K-TAB” on one side

4. Contraindications

Potassium chloride is contraindicated in patients on triamterene or amiloride.

5. Warnings and Precautions

5.1 Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions

Solid oral dosage forms of potassium chloride can produce ulcerative and/or stenotic lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly when the drug remains in contact with the gastrointestinal mucosa for a prolonged period of time. Consider the use of liquid potassium in patients with dysphagia, swallowing disorders, or severe gastrointestinal motility disorders.

If severe vomiting, abdominal pain, distention, or gastrointestinal bleeding occurs, discontinue K-TAB and consider possibility of ulceration, obstruction or perforation.

K-TAB should not be taken on an empty stomach because of its potential for gastric irritation [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

6. Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

The following adverse reactions have been identified with use of oral potassium salts. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

The most common adverse reactions to oral potassium salts are nausea, vomiting, flatulence, abdominal pain/discomfort, and diarrhea.

There have been reports of hyperkalemia and of upper and lower gastrointestinal conditions including obstruction, bleeding, ulceration, perforation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Overdosage (10)].

Skin rash has been reported rarely.

7. Drug Interactions

7.1 Triamterene and Amiloride

Use with triamterene or amiloride can produce severe hyperkalemia. Avoid concomitant use [see Contraindications (4)].

7.2 Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Inhibitors

Drugs that inhibit the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) including angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), spironolactone, eplerenone, or aliskiren produce potassium retention by inhibiting aldosterone production. Closely monitor potassium in patients receiving concomitant RAAS therapy.

7.3 Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may produce potassium retention by reducing renal synthesis of prostaglandin E and impairing the renin-angiotensin system. Closely monitor potassium in patients receiving concomitant NSAID therapy.

8. Use In Specific Populations

8.1 Pregnancy

Risk Summary

There are no human data related to use of K-TAB during pregnancy, and animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. Potassium supplementation that does not lead to hyperkalemia is not expected to cause fetal harm.

The background risk for major birth defects and miscarriage in the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.

8.2 Lactation

Risk Summary

The normal potassium ion content of human milk is about 13 mEq per liter. Since potassium from oral supplements such as K-TAB becomes part of the body potassium pool, as long as body potassium is not excessive, the contribution of potassium chloride supplementation should have little or no effect on the level in human milk.

8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness of K-TAB in children have not been established.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of K-TAB did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function.

8.6 Cirrhotics

Doses of potassium in patients with cirrhosis produce a larger increase in potassium levels compared to the response in normal patients. Based on published literature, the baseline corrected serum concentrations of potassium measured over 3 hours after administration in cirrhotic subjects who received an oral potassium load rose to approximately twice that of normal subjects who received the same load. Patients with cirrhosis should usually be started at the low end of the dosing range, and the serum potassium level should be monitored frequently.

8.7 Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment have reduced urinary excretion of potassium and are at substantially increased risk of hyperkalemia. Patients with impaired renal function, particularly if the patient is on RAAS inhibitors or NSAIDs, should usually be started at the low end of the dosing range because of the potential for development of hyperkalemia [see Drug Interactions (7.2, 7.3)]. The serum potassium level should be monitored frequently. Renal function should be assessed periodically.

10. Overdosage

10.1 Symptoms

The administration of oral potassium salts to persons with normal excretory mechanisms for potassium rarely causes serious hyperkalemia. However, if excretory mechanisms are impaired, potentially fatal hyperkalemia can result [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

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 P-waves, depression of S-T segments, and prolongation of the QT intervals). Late manifestations include muscle paralysis and cardiovascular collapse from cardiac arrest (9-12 mEq/L).

10.2 Treatment

Treatment measures for hyperkalemia include the following:

  1. Monitor closely for arrhythmias and electrolyte changes.
  2. Eliminate foods and medications containing potassium and of any agents with potassium-sparing properties such as potassium-sparing diuretics, ARBs, ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs, certain nutritional supplements, and many others.
  3. Administer intravenous calcium gluconate if the patient is at no risk or low risk of developing digitalis toxicity.
  4. Administer intravenously 300 to 500 mL/hr of 10% dextrose solution containing 10 to 20 units of crystalline insulin per 1,000 mL.
  5. Correct acidosis, if present, with intravenous sodium bicarbonate.
  6. Use exchange resins, hemodialysis, or peritoneal dialysis.

In patients who have been stabilized on digitalis, too rapid a lowering of the serum potassium concentration can produce digitalis toxicity.

The extended release feature means that absorption and toxic effects may be delayed for hours. Consider standard measures to remove any unabsorbed drug.

11. K-Tab Description

K-TAB (potassium chloride extended-release tablets) is a solid oral dosage form of potassium chloride containing 600 mg, 750 mg and 1500 mg of potassium chloride, USP, equivalent to 8 mEq, 10mEq and 20 mEq of potassium, respectively, in a film-coated (not enteric-coated), wax matrix tablet.

The chemical name is potassium chloride, and the structural formula is KCl. Potassium chloride, USP, occurs as a white, granular powder or as colorless crystals. It is odorless and has a saline taste. Its solutions are neutral to litmus. It is freely soluble in water and insoluble in alcohol.

The 8 mEq and 10 mEq tablets also contain castor oil, cellulosic polymers, colloidal silicon dioxide, D&C Yellow No. 10, magnesium stearate, paraffin, polyvinyl acetate, titanium dioxide, vanillin, and vitamin E.

The 20 mEq tablets also contain castor oil, cellulosic polymers, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, paraffin, polyvinyl acetate, titanium dioxide, vanillin, and vitamin E.

12. K-Tab - Clinical Pharmacology

12.1 Mechanism of Action

The potassium ion (K+) is the principal 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 impulse; 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.

12.2 Pharmacokinetics

Specific Populations

Cirrhotics

Based on published literature, the baseline corrected serum concentrations of potassium measured over 3 hours after administration in cirrhotic subjects who received an oral potassium load rose to approximately twice that of normal subjects who received the same load [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].

13. Nonclinical Toxicology

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Carcinogenicity, mutagenicity and fertility studies in animals have not been performed. Potassium is a normal dietary constituent.

16. How is K-Tab supplied

K-TAB (potassium chloride extended-release tablets, USP) contain 600 mg, 750 mg and 1500 mg of potassium chloride (equivalent to 8 mEq, 10 mEq and 20 mEq of potassium, respectively). K-TAB is provided as extended-release Filmtab® tablets.

StrengthDescriptionBottle CountNDC#
8 mEq (600 mg)Round, yellow, debossed with
"K-TAB" on one side
1000074-3058-41
10000074-3058-46
10 mEq (750 mg)Ovaloid, yellow, debossed with the “a” logo
on one side and “K-TAB” on the other side
1000074-7804-13
10000074-7804-19
Ovaloid, yellow, debossed with “10” on one
side and “K-TAB” on the other side
1000074-3278-13
10000074-3278-19
20 mEq (1500 mg)Ovaloid, white, debossed with
"K-TAB" on one side
1000074-3023-13
5000074-3023-53

Recommended Storage

Store at room temperature 20° - 25°C (68° - 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

17. Patient Counseling Information

  • Inform patients to take each dose with meals and with a full glass of water or other liquid, and to not crush, chew, or suck the tablets.
  • Advise patients to seek medical attention if tarry stools or other evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding is noticed.
  • Inform patients that the wax tablet is not absorbed and may be excreted intact in the stool. If the patient observes this, it is not an indication of lack of effect.

Filmtab® - Film-sealed tablets, AbbVie Inc.

©2018 AbbVie Inc.

Manufactured by:
AbbVie LTD
Barceloneta, PR 00617
For:
AbbVie Inc.
North Chicago, IL 60064

03-B636 April, 2018

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

NDC 0074-7804-19
K-Tab®
(potassium chloride
extended-release tablets, USP)
10 mEq (750 mg)
1000 Filmtab®
Tablets
Rx only abbvie

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
NDC 0074-7804-19
K-Tab
(potassium chloride 
extended-release tablets, USP)
10 mEq (750 mg)
1000 Filmtab
Tablets
Rx Only

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

NDC 0074-3278-13
K-Tab®
(potassium chloride
extended-release tablets, USP)
10 mEq (750 mg)
100 Filmtab®
Tablets
Rx only abbvie

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
NDC 0074-3278-13
K-Tab
(potassium chloride 
extended-release tablets, USP)
10 mEq (750 mg)
100 Filmtab
Tablets
Rx Only

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

NDC 0074-3023-13
K-Tab®
(potassium chloride
extended-release tablets, USP)
20 mEq (1500 mg)
100 Filmtab®
Tablets
Rx only abbvie

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
NDC 0074-3023-13
K-Tab
(potassium chloride 
extended-release tablets, USP)
20 mEq (1500 mg)
100 Filmtab
Tablets
Rx Only

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

NDC 0074-3058-41
K-Tab®
(potassium chloride
extended-release tablets, USP)
8 mEq (600 mg)
100 Filmtab®
Tablets
Rx only abbvie

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
NDC 0074-3058-41
K-Tab
(potassium chloride 
extended-release tablets, USP)
8 mEq (600 mg)
100 Filmtab
Tablets
Rx Only

K-TAB
potassium chloride tablet, film coated, extended release
Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC:0074-3278
Route of AdministrationORAL
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE (UNII: 660YQ98I10) (POTASSIUM CATION - UNII:295O53K152) POTASSIUM CHLORIDE750 mg
Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
CASTOR OIL (UNII: D5340Y2I9G)
SILICON DIOXIDE (UNII: ETJ7Z6XBU4)
D&C YELLOW NO. 10 (UNII: 35SW5USQ3G)
MAGNESIUM STEARATE (UNII: 70097M6I30)
PARAFFIN (UNII: I9O0E3H2ZE)
TITANIUM DIOXIDE (UNII: 15FIX9V2JP)
VANILLIN (UNII: CHI530446X)
POLYVINYL ACETATE (UNII: 32K497ZK2U)
ETHYLCELLULOSE, UNSPECIFIED (UNII: 7Z8S9VYZ4B)
.ALPHA.-TOCOPHEROL (UNII: H4N855PNZ1)
Product Characteristics
ColoryellowScoreno score
ShapeOVALSize15mm
FlavorImprint CodeKTAB;10
Contains
Packaging
#Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
1NDC:0074-3278-13100 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product06/01/201710/26/2023
2NDC:0074-3278-191000 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product06/01/201711/04/2023
Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
NDANDA01827906/01/201711/04/2023
K-TAB
potassium chloride tablet, film coated, extended release
Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC:0074-3023
Route of AdministrationORAL
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE (UNII: 660YQ98I10) (POTASSIUM CATION - UNII:295O53K152) POTASSIUM CHLORIDE1500 mg
Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
CASTOR OIL (UNII: D5340Y2I9G)
SILICON DIOXIDE (UNII: ETJ7Z6XBU4)
MAGNESIUM STEARATE (UNII: 70097M6I30)
PARAFFIN (UNII: I9O0E3H2ZE)
TITANIUM DIOXIDE (UNII: 15FIX9V2JP)
VANILLIN (UNII: CHI530446X)
POLYVINYL ACETATE (UNII: 32K497ZK2U)
ETHYLCELLULOSE, UNSPECIFIED (UNII: 7Z8S9VYZ4B)
.ALPHA.-TOCOPHEROL (UNII: H4N855PNZ1)
Product Characteristics
ColorwhiteScoreno score
ShapeOVALSize20mm
FlavorImprint CodeKTAB
Contains
Packaging
#Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
1NDC:0074-3023-13100 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product06/09/198002/15/2025
2NDC:0074-3023-53500 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product06/09/198011/23/2021
Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
NDANDA01827906/09/198002/15/2025
K-TAB
potassium chloride tablet, film coated, extended release
Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC:0074-3058
Route of AdministrationORAL
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE (UNII: 660YQ98I10) (POTASSIUM CATION - UNII:295O53K152) POTASSIUM CHLORIDE600 mg
Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
CASTOR OIL (UNII: D5340Y2I9G)
SILICON DIOXIDE (UNII: ETJ7Z6XBU4)
D&C YELLOW NO. 10 (UNII: 35SW5USQ3G)
MAGNESIUM STEARATE (UNII: 70097M6I30)
PARAFFIN (UNII: I9O0E3H2ZE)
TITANIUM DIOXIDE (UNII: 15FIX9V2JP)
VANILLIN (UNII: CHI530446X)
POLYVINYL ACETATE (UNII: 32K497ZK2U)
ETHYLCELLULOSE, UNSPECIFIED (UNII: 7Z8S9VYZ4B)
.ALPHA.-TOCOPHEROL (UNII: H4N855PNZ1)
Product Characteristics
ColoryellowScoreno score
ShapeROUNDSize11mm
FlavorImprint CodeKTAB
Contains
Packaging
#Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
1NDC:0074-3058-41100 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product06/09/198008/09/2022
2NDC:0074-3058-461000 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product06/09/198011/09/2020
Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
NDANDA01827906/09/198008/09/2022
K-TAB
potassium chloride tablet, film coated, extended release
Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC:0074-7804
Route of AdministrationORAL
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE (UNII: 660YQ98I10) (POTASSIUM CATION - UNII:295O53K152) POTASSIUM CHLORIDE750 mg
Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
CASTOR OIL (UNII: D5340Y2I9G)
SILICON DIOXIDE (UNII: ETJ7Z6XBU4)
D&C YELLOW NO. 10 (UNII: 35SW5USQ3G)
MAGNESIUM STEARATE (UNII: 70097M6I30)
PARAFFIN (UNII: I9O0E3H2ZE)
TITANIUM DIOXIDE (UNII: 15FIX9V2JP)
VANILLIN (UNII: CHI530446X)
POLYVINYL ACETATE (UNII: 32K497ZK2U)
ETHYLCELLULOSE, UNSPECIFIED (UNII: 7Z8S9VYZ4B)
.ALPHA.-TOCOPHEROL (UNII: H4N855PNZ1)
Product Characteristics
ColoryellowScoreno score
ShapeOVALSize15mm
FlavorImprint CodeKTAB;a
Contains
Packaging
#Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
1NDC:0074-7804-13100 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product06/09/198005/26/2021
2NDC:0074-7804-191000 in 1 BOTTLE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product06/09/198007/27/2021
Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
NDANDA01827906/09/198007/27/2021
Labeler - AbbVie Inc. (078458370)

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