Effer-K 20 mEq Unflavored

Effer-K 20 mEq Unflavored is an FDA-registered drug product whose active ingredient is POTASSIUM BICARBONATE. It is labelled by Nomax Inc. taken by oral and marketed as a human prescription drug product. Identifiers on file: NDC 51801-011, label effective 20191218. It is one of 2 FDA drug label records sharing the active ingredient POTASSIUM BICARBONATE. This page reproduces the FDA-approved label text so you can check what a product is, who makes it and how it is supplied before discussing it with a pharmacist or prescriber.

Across FDA labelling, products containing POTASSIUM BICARBONATE are most often described in connection with: patients receiving, potassium salts, without metabolic, alkalosis chronic, digitalis intoxication, hypokalemic familial, periodic paralysis, dietary intake. Wording differs between labels, and the full indications section on this page takes precedence when it is present.

Indications and Usage For therapeutic use in patients with hypokalemia with or without metabolic alkalosis; in chronic digitalis intoxication; and in patients with hypokalemic familial periodic paralysis. For prevention of potassium depletion when the dietary intake of potassium ion is inadequate in the following conditions; patients receiving digitalis and diuretics for congestive heart failure; hepatic cirrhosis with ascites; states of aldosterone excess with normal renal function; potassium-losing nephropathy, and certain diarrheal states; long-term corticosteroid therapy. The use of potassium salts in patients receiving diuretics for uncomplicated essential hypertension or receiving certain antibiotics is often unnecessary when such patients have a normal dietary pattern. Serum potassium should be checked periodically, however, and, if hypokalemia occurs, dietary supplementation with potassium-containing foods may be adequate to control milder cases. In more severe cases supplementation with potassium salts may be indicated.

Dosage and administration Effer-K ® 10 mEq. Adults - one tablet (Cherry Vanilla or Unflavored) each containing 10 mEq. (391 mg) of elemental potassium, 1 to 4 times daily, depending on the requirement of the patient. Completely dissolve the Cherry Vanilla flavored tablet in 2 to 3 ounces (58 to 85 mL) of cold or ice water before drinking. Completely dissolve the Unflavored tablet in 2 to 3 ounces (58 to 85 mL) of cold juice of choice before drinking. Effer-K ® 20 mEq. Adults - one tablet (Orange Cream or Unflavored) each containing 20 mEq. (782 mg) of elemental potassium, 1 to 4 times daily, depending on the requirement of the patient. Completely dissolve the Orange Cream flavored tablet in 3 to 4 ounces (85 to 115 mL) of cold or ice water before drinking. Completely dissolved the Unflavored tablet in 3 to 4 ounces (85 to 115 mL) of cold juice of choice before drinking. NOTE: It is suggested that any effervescent potassium tablet be taken with meals and sipped slowly over a 5 to 10 minute period.

Contraindications Potassium supplements are contraindicated in patients with hyperkalemia since a further increase in serum potassium concentration in such patients can produce cardiac arrest. Conditions predisposing to hyperkalemia include: chronic renal failure, acute metabolic acidosis, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, esophageal compression or delayed gastric emptying or intestinal obstruction/stricture or peptic ulcer. Potassium supplements should be used with caution and only where medically indicated in patients with familial periodic paralysis, myotonia congenita or severe/complete heart block. IMPORTANT: Potassium supplements are contraindicated in patients receiving potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g. spironolactone, triamterene) since such use may produce severe hyperkalemia.

Warnings In patients with hyperkalemia and impaired mechanisms for excreting potassium the administration of potassium salts can produce hyperkalemia and cardiac arrest. This occurs most commonly in patients given potassium by the intravenous route but may also occur in patients given potassium orally. Potentially fatal hyperkalemia can develop rapidly and be asymptomatic. The use of potassium salts in patients with chronic renal disease, or any other condition which impairs potassium excretion, requires particularly careful monitoring of the serum potassium concentration and appropriate dosage adjustment. Note: There is no conclusive evidence that potassium supplements lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients.

Adverse Reactions One of the most severe adverse effects is hyperkalemia (see Contraindications , Warnings and Overdosage ). The most common adverse reactions to oral potassium salts are nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea. These symptoms are due to irritation of the gastrointestinal tract and are best managed by diluting the preparation further, taking the dose with meals, or reducing the dose. Skin rash has been reported rarely.

FDA lists 2 drug label records with POTASSIUM BICARBONATE as the active ingredient. The most common dosage forms and the manufacturers with the most records are summarised below; strengths, pack sizes and inactive ingredients can still differ between apparently similar products.

What is Effer-K 20 mEq Unflavored used for?
Indications and Usage For therapeutic use in patients with hypokalemia with or without metabolic alkalosis; in chronic digitalis intoxication; and in patients with hypokalemic familial periodic paralysis. For prevention of potassium depletion when the dietary intake of potassium ion is inadequate in the following conditions; patients receiving digitalis and diuretics for congestive heart …

Who makes Effer-K 20 mEq Unflavored?
Nomax Inc. is the labeler of record for Effer-K 20 mEq Unflavored. 2 FDA label records share the active ingredient POTASSIUM BICARBONATE, so generic and branded versions may come from different companies; the manufacturer named on your pack is the one that matters for any enquiry.

What form does Effer-K 20 mEq Unflavored come in?
administered by oral. Strengths and pack sizes vary by label, so compare the NDC on your pack with the identifier listed on this page.

Is Effer-K 20 mEq Unflavored prescription or over-the-counter?
The FDA label for this product is recorded as human prescription drug. Marketing status can differ between strengths and countries, so check the dispensing rules where you live.

Are there other products containing POTASSIUM BICARBONATE?
Yes. 2 FDA drug label records list POTASSIUM BICARBONATE as the active ingredient. Products with the same active ingredient can usually be substituted only when a prescriber or pharmacist confirms it is appropriate.

Has Effer-K 20 mEq Unflavored been recalled?
No FDA recall record in our database matches this product name or manufacturer. Recall data is updated periodically, so a very recent notice may not appear here yet.

Where does this information come from?
All content is reproduced from FDA Structured Product Labelling data via openFDA. It is provided for identification and reference only and is not medical advice.