Drugplain

Effer-K 10 mEq Cherry Vanilla 391 mg/1

POTASSIUM BICARBONATE · TABLET, EFFERVESCENT · Nomax Inc.

No Recall HistoryCurrently in Shortage
Plain English

Effer-K 10 mEq Cherry Vanilla is a tablet, effervescent containing potassium bicarbonate at 391 mg/1, taken oral. Manufactured by Nomax Inc..

Key Facts

Brand Name
Effer-K 10 mEq Cherry Vanilla
Generic Name
POTASSIUM BICARBONATE
NDC Code (Product)
51801-014
Manufacturer
Nomax Inc.
Strength
391 mg/1
Dosage Form
TABLET, EFFERVESCENT
Route
ORAL
Marketing Status
Marketing Start
01/30/2013

Recall History

No Recall History

Side Effects Reported to FDA

FDA FAERS database · These are reported events, not confirmed side effects

diarrhoea53 reports
off label use48 reports
acute kidney injury43 reports
pneumonia37 reports
asthenia35 reports
fatigue34 reports
vomiting34 reports
back pain33 reports
urinary tract infection33 reports
dyspnoea31 reports

Full Prescribing Information

Source: FDA Drug Label (SPL)For healthcare professionals

Indications & Usage

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 & Administration

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.

Warnings

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.

Contraindications

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.

Drug Interactions

Drug Interactions The simultaneous administration of potassium supplements and a potassium-sparing diuretic can produce severe hyperkalemia (see Contraindications ). Potassium supplements should be used cautiously in patients who are using salt substitutes, because most of the latter contain substantial amounts of potassium. Such concomitant use could result in hyperkalemia. Moreover, the following drugs may produce unfavorable interactions when used concomitantly with potassium supplements: angiotension-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), beta-adrenergic blocking drugs, heparin, low-salt foods, other potassium containing medications, digitalis glycosides and others.

Adverse Reactions

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Effer-K 10 mEq Cherry Vanilla used for?

Effer-K 10 mEq Cherry Vanilla contains POTASSIUM BICARBONATE. It is a tablet, effervescent taken oral. Consult your doctor for specific uses.

Is Effer-K 10 mEq Cherry Vanilla a controlled substance?

Effer-K 10 mEq Cherry Vanilla is not classified as a controlled substance by the DEA.

What is the generic name for Effer-K 10 mEq Cherry Vanilla?

The generic name for Effer-K 10 mEq Cherry Vanilla is POTASSIUM BICARBONATE. There are 8 other brand versions of POTASSIUM BICARBONATE.

What is the NDC code for Effer-K 10 mEq Cherry Vanilla 391 mg/1?

The NDC (National Drug Code) for Effer-K 10 mEq Cherry Vanilla 391 mg/1 is 51801-014, listed by Nomax Inc..