potassium gluconate
Indication
This is a potassium supplement useful in those prone to low blood potassium.
Side effects
Numbness and tingling of the extremities, confusion, weakness, arrhythmias, ECG changes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, GI ulcerations, GI bleeding, intestinal obstruction, and intestinal perforation.
Interactions and precautions
1. Should not be used in cases of severe kidney disease, acute dehydration, or those who are using potassium sparing diuretics (e.g. spironolactone, triamterene).
2. Enteric coated potassium tablets cannot be recommended due to increased risk of GI bleeding and ulceration.
3. Minimise GI symptoms by taking this medication with food.
Usual dose
Adult and adolescent: oral, elixir, 10-20 mEq of potassium diluted in one-half glass of cold water or juice, two to four times a day; or 5-10 mEq potassium in tablet form, two to four times a day; dosage adjusted to need (up to 100 mEq potassium per day). Paediatrics: individualized per physician. Diuretics
Also called as Water Pills as this group of drugs lower the blood pressure by excreting excess water and sodium. Originally Diuretics enhance the rate of urine excretion - diuresis. These drugs are prescribed for the treatment of hypertension, (High blood pressure), Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and Edema, a condition in which excess fluid is accumulated in the body tissues.
Even caffeine, alcohol and some fruit extracts and juices like that of cranberry juice have mild diuretic effect.
Types of Diuretics
Loop type diuretics:
Furosemide - brand name Lasix
Bumetanide - brand name Bumex
Torsemide - brand name Demadex
Ethacrynic acid - brand name Edecrin
Potassium retaining Diuretics:
Spironolactone - brand name Aldactone
Triamterene - brand name Dyrenium
Amiloride - brand name Midamor
Thiazide Diuretics:
Methyclothiazide - brand name Aquatensen
hydroflumethiazide - brand name Diucardin
Chlorothiazide - brand name Diuril
Hydrochlorothiazide - brand name Hydro chlor
Sometimes a combination of the diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene is also prescribed.
Diuretics
Also called as Water Pills as this group of drugs lower the blood pressure by excreting excess water and sodium. Originally Diuretics enhance the rate of urine excretion - diuresis. These drugs are prescribed for the treatment of hypertension, (High blood pressure), Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and Edema, a condition in which excess fluid is accumulated in the body tissues.
Even caffeine, alcohol and some fruit extracts and juices like that of cranberry juice have mild diuretic effect.
Types of Diuretics
Loop type diuretics:
Furosemide - brand name Lasix
Bumetanide - brand name Bumex
Torsemide - brand name Demadex
Ethacrynic acid - brand name Edecrin
Potassium retaining Diuretics:
Spironolactone - brand name Aldactone
Triamterene - brand name Dyrenium
Amiloride - brand name Midamor
Thiazide Diuretics:
Methyclothiazide - brand name Aquatensen
hydroflumethiazide - brand name Diucardin
Chlorothiazide - brand name Diuril
Hydrochlorothiazide - brand name Hydro chlor
Sometimes a combination of the diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene is also prescribed.
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