Effer-K 10 meq Tablets

Generic name: potassium bicarbonate
Dosage form: tablet, effervescent

Disclaimer: This drug has not been found by FDA to be safe and effective, and this labeling has not been approved by FDA. For further information about unapproved drugs, click here.

Description

Effer-K® 10mEq and 20 mEq Tablets (Effervescent Potassium Bicarbonate/ Citric Acid Tablets for Oral Solution, USP) are intended for the preparation of an oral solution of potassium.

Each 10 mEq tablet contains 1.0g potassium bicarbonate and 0.84g citric acid which, after effervescing, provides a solution containing 10 mEq (391 mg) of elemental potassium as potassium citrate.

Each 20 mEq tablet contains 2.0g potassium bicarbonate and 1.68g citric acid which, after effervescing, provides a solution containing 20 mEq (782 mg) of elemental potassium as potassium citrate.

Tablets also contain maltodextrin, anhydrous dextrose and l-leucine. In addition, the flavored tablets contain SD flavors, and sucralose.

The 10 mEq Cherry Vanilla tablets contain FD&C Red #40 and the 20 mEq Orange Cream tablets contain FD&C Yellow #6 and FD&C Red #40. The Unflavored 10 and 20 mEq tablets do not contain any natural or synthetic dyes, flavors or sweeteners.

The 10 mEq tablets are 11/16 inch diameter round, flat face on both sides with large bevels. EK 10 is imprinted on one side. The 20 mEq tablets are 7/8 inch diameter round, flat face on both sides with large bevels. EK 20 is imprinted on one side. Each tablet is pouched with the product description on one side of the pouch and the lot number, expiration date and bar code on the other

Clinical Pharmacology

Potassium ion is the principal intracellular cation of most body tissues, whereas sodium ion is relatively low in concentration. In extracellular fluid the opposite exists, sodium ion being principal and potassium ion being low. The situation is maintained by an active membrane-bound enzyme (Na+K+ATPase). This potassium ion concentration gradient is essential to conduct nerve impulses in such specialized tissues as the brain, heart, and skeletal muscle; and in addition, to maintain normal renal function, acid-base balance, and various cellular metabolic functions. Elimination values are 90% renal and 10% fecal.

Potassium depletion may occur if the rate of potassium ion loss by...