Micro K Extencaps (Potassium chloride)

Indications

Micro-K Extencaps is a prescription medication commonly used to treat or prevent low levels of potassium in the blood. It is oral dosage form of microencapsulated potassium chloride used as a potassium supplement. It works by providing the body with a source of potassium, an essential mineral that helps cells, kidneys, heart, muscles, and nerves to function properly.

Potassium is needed to maintain the body's fluid and electrolyte balance, and to support nerve and muscle function. In cases where the body has low levels of potassium (hypokalemia), Micro K Extencaps can help to restore normal levels of the mineral.

Use and Dosage

Micro K Extencaps comes in the form of Capsule to take by mouth as directed by your doctor. Take each dose with a meal and a full glass of water unless otherwise directed by your doctor. After taking the capsule, do not lie down for at least 10 minutes to prevent stomach upset.

Swallow the capsule whole and not crush or chew extended-release capsules or tablets as doing so can release all the drug at once and increase the risk of side effects. If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, inform your doctor or pharmacist. Micro K Extencaps can be opened, and the contents sprinkled onto a spoonful of soft food such as applesauce or pudding. Do not prepare the mixture ahead of time and immediately swallow the food/medication mixture without chewing. After taking each dose, drink a glass of cool water to ensure you have swallowed all the medication.

Take Micro K Extencaps regularly to obtain the most benefit from it. To assist in remembering, take it at the same time(s) every day. The dosage is determined by your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed. The maximum recommended dose is 20 mill equivalents per dose.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects of Micro K Extencaps (Potassium Chloride):

• Appearance of a potassium chloride tablet in your stool
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Nausea
• Tingling in your hands or feet
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting

Serious Side Effects of Micro K Extencaps (Potassium Chloride):

• Change in thinking clearly and with logic
• Chest pain or pressure
• Feeling weak
• Lightheaded or dizzy (feel like passing out)
• Numbness or tingling
• Shortness of breath
• Signs of an allergic reaction, like:
  • Rash
  • Hives
  • Itching
  • Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
  • Wheezing
  • Tightness in the chest or throat
• Signs of bowel problems like:
  • Black, tarry, or bloody stools
  • Fever
  • Mucus in the stools
  • Throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds
• Slow heartbeat
• Swelling of belly
• Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
• Unusual hoarseness
• Very bad stomach pain, constipation, or diarrhea

Forms and Strength

Micro K Extencaps (Potassium Chloride) is available in the following forms and strength:

Micro K Extencaps: Capsules

• 8meq

Cautions

• Hyperkalemia: Micro-K Extencaps should not be used in patients with hyperkalemia (elevated levels of potassium in the blood), as it could lead to further increases in potassium levels, which can be dangerous.
• Gastrointestinal irritation: The use of potassium supplements, including Micro-K, can cause gastrointestinal irritation, which can include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. This may be minimized by taking the medication with food or by using special types of potassium supplements, such as wax-impregnated or microencapsulated potassium chloride.
• Cardiac disorders: Patients with cardiac disorders, such as heart failure or arrhythmias, should be closely monitored if they are taking Micro-K, as elevated levels of potassium in the blood can have adverse effects on the heart.
• Renal impairment: Patients with renal impairment should be closely monitored if they are taking Micro-K, as elevated levels of potassium in the blood can have adverse effects on the kidneys.
• Drug interactions: Micro-K can interact with certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors and potassium-sparing diuretics, which can increase the risk of hyperkalemia. Patients taking these medications should be closely monitored by their healthcare provider if they are also taking Micro-K.
• Allergic reactions: Patients who are allergic to potassium chloride or any of the inactive ingredients in Micro-K Extencaps should not take the medication.
• Electrolyte imbalances: Chronic use of potassium supplements, including Micro-K, can result in electrolyte imbalances, such as hyponatremia and hypocalcemia. Patients should be monitored carefully if they are taking Micro-K for extended periods of time.
• Age: Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of Micro-K, such as gastrointestinal irritation and electrolyte imbalances. These patients may require closer monitoring and lower doses of the medication.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The effects of Micro-K in pregnant or breastfeeding women are not well studied. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to their healthcare provider before taking Micro-K.
• Overdose: An overdose of potassium supplements can be life-threatening. Symptoms of an overdose may include weakness, confusion, irregular heartbeat, and cardiac arrest. Patients who suspect they may have overdosed on Micro-K should seek immediate medical attention.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I take Micro K Extencaps if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

It is not well studied if Micro K Extencaps is safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider before taking the capsules if they are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I store Micro K Extencaps?

Micro K Extencaps should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. It should be kept out of the reach of children.

Can I take other medications with Micro K Extencaps?

Patients should talk to their healthcare provider before taking other medications with Micro K Extencaps, as it may interact with certain medications, including ACE inhibitors and potassium-sparing diuretics.

Resources

• https://www.rxlist.com/micro-k-drug.htm
• https://www.drugs.com/cdi/micro-k.html
• https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=cb128705-d8c7-4341-a976-d8fd7371df6d
• https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6119/micro-k-oral/details
• https://www.paladin-labs.com/our_products/Micro%20K_EN.pdf
• https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/Micro-K-10-potassium-chloride-770
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20766-potassium-chloride-extended-release-capsules-or-tablets