General Drug Information and Indications

Potassium gluconate for hypokalemia in cats with chronic kidney disease. Potassium gluconate oral supplement. Mechanism: potassium gluconate provides potassium ions via intestinal absorption for correction of hypokalemia. Potassium is essential intracellular cation for cell membrane potential maintenance, cardiac rhythm, neuromuscular transmission, and enzymatic activity. Oral supplementation for mild-moderate hypokalemia in cats with CKD. Key information Potassium gluconate supplement. Oral — administer with food. Monitor serum potassium. Safe for long-term use.

How to Give this Medication

Oral gel or powder (cats): administer directly on food or mix into a small amount of wet food. Administer 2–3 times daily. Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you forget a day, simply resume the normal schedule the next day. Missing an occasional dose of this supplement is unlikely to cause harm.

Side Effects

GI: vomiting (most common), diarrhea, anorexia. Cardiac: hyperkalemia if overdosed (arrhythmias, cardiac arrest) — monitor potassium levels. Generally safe at recommended doses for mild-moderate hypokalemia.

Precautions

For animals Monitor serum potassium — hyperkalemia risk with concurrent ACE inhibitors or potassium-sparing diuretics. Reduce dose or extend interval in renal impairment. Give with food to reduce GI upset. For people handling this medication Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep out of reach of children. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Potassium supplement — Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. after handling. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Contact your veterinarian. Potassium gluconate overdose causes hyperkalemia: muscle weakness, GI signs, and cardiac arrhythmias. Electrolyte monitoring required.

Tumil K dosage forms

ProductStrengthFormSizeType
TUMIL K 2 MEQ TABLET: POTASSIUM GLUCONATE 2 MEQ2 MEQTablet1Commercial
TUMIL K 4 MEQ/5 GM GEL: POTASSIUM GLUCONATE 4 MEQ/5 GM5 GMGel1Commercial

Sources

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)