Effervescent Tablets containing 0.6g potassium chloride Ph.Eur., 0.4g potassium bicarbonate USP

Flat, round, white effervescent tablet with a slightly rough surface, weighing 2.4g and of 22mm diameter and 4.25mm thick

Therapeutic indications
Prevention and treatment of hypokalaemic states such as those associated with:

i) Use of drugs which can induce potassium depletion eg. frusemide, thiazide diuretics, corticosteroids, carbenoxolone and cardiac glycosides, especially in combination with diuretics

ii) Potassium loss resulting from severe diarrhoea, vomiting or fistulas;

iii) Acid-base disturbances e.g. alkalosis, renal tubular acidosis, states in which there is aldosterone excess, Cushing syndrome;

iv) Decreased intake of potassium e.g. malnutrition, alcoholism, some elderly patients with deficient diets;

v) Since SANDO-K Effervescent Tablets contain Cl- they may be used in the treatment of hypokalaemia associated with hypochloraemic alkalosis.

Posology and method of administration
Oral administration, after dissolution of the tablet in water. May be taken with food if preferred.

Adults and children

Dosage is dependent upon the clinical conditions and diet of the patient, however the administration of 2 to 4 tablets daily (24 to 48 mmol K+) is likely to provide an adequate prophylactic or therapeutic dose in most patients. Large doses may be indicated in more severe hypokalaemic conditions when the dose should be regulated by the patient's response as determined by serum electrolyte levels and acid-base studies.

Dosage guidelines

A drop in serum potassium level of 1 mmol/l represents a loss of about 100-200 mmol of potassium from body stores. While serum potassium levels below 2 mmol/l may warrant intravenous replacement therapy, following are approximate guidelines in less severe potassium depletion:

For serum levels between 2-3 mmol/l, a maximum daily dose of 100-200 mmol K+ (8-16 tablets) and for serum levels between 3-4 mmol/l, a maximum daily dose of 50-100 mmol K+ (4-8 tablets) should be considered.

Elderly

No evidence exists that elderly patients require different dosages or show different side- effects than younger patients. However, such patients should be carefully supervised as factors sometimes associated with ageing, such as poor diet or impaired renal function, may indirectly affect the dosage or tolerability.