Potassium

Potassium is an essential mineral and electrolyte required for normal cellular function in the body. It plays a critical role in maintaining proper heart rhythm, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and kidney function. In medicine, various forms of potassium (such as potassium chloride and potassium citrate) are used to treat or prevent hypokalemia (low blood levels of potassium), which can result from certain diseases or medications like diuretics[1][2][3][4][5]. Potassium chloride is commonly used for hypokalemia prevention and treatment; it may also be administered intravenously when oral intake is not possible[2][5]. Potassium citrate is primarily indicated for treating renal tubular acidosis and preventing certain types of kidney stones by alkalinizing the urine[3]. The mechanism of action involves replenishing deficient body stores of the essential ion (K+), thereby restoring normal physiological functions dependent on adequate intracellular and extracellular concentrations.

Brand names

Urocit-KKal Potassium 99Klor-ConK-Tab

Other names

potassium chloridepotassium citrate