The usual dietary potassium intake by the average adult is 50 to 100 mEq per day. Potassium depletion sufficient to cause hypokalemia usually requires the loss of 200 or more mEq of potassium from the total body store.
Dosage must be adjusted to the individual needs of each patient. The dose for the prevention of hypokalemia is typically in the range of 20 mEq per day. Doses of 40 to 100 mEq per day or more are used for the treatment of potassium depletion. Deviations from these recommended dosages may be indicated. As no average total daily dose can be defined, the response of the patient to the dose of the drug must be assessed clinically. Larger doses may be required but should be administered under close supervision because of the possibility of potassium intoxication. (See OVERDOSAGE).
Important: To assure against gastrointestinal injury and to minimize the possibility of a saline laxative effect, both of which have been associated with the ingestion of concentrated potassium salt preparations, it is recommended that each tablespoonful (15 mL) of this preparation be mixed with at least 6 fluid ounces of water or fruit juice before taking. The dose should also be taken with meals or immediately after eating.