Pharmacological properties : תכונות פרמקולוגיות

Pharmacodynamic Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Mineral supplements, potassium preparations ATC code: A12BA01

Micro-Kalium contains potassium chloride in a micro-encapsulated form. This is a modern technology by which each KCI particle is coated with an extremely thin pharmacologically inert membrane that slowly disperses KCI in the gastrointestinal tract.
Due to these patented galenic forms highly localised KCI concentrations are avoided. The irritant effect of free potassium in the gastric mucosa and intestinal mucous membrane are limited to a minimum and thus achieve good tolerance.

Pharmacodynamic effects
K+, the most encountered intracellular cation, plays a decisive role in different important physiological functional processes, e.g. for the transmission of nerve impulses, contraction of muscle tissues (cardiac and skeletal muscles and smooth muscle) and for maintaining normal renal function. It also contributes to the regulation of osmotic pressure and acid-base balance.
K+ concentrations vary intracellularly between 130 and 150 to 160 mmol/L and in plasma between 3.5 and 5 mmol/L. Although there is no standardised correlation between the K+ plasma concentration and the total body content, clinical signs of a potassium deficiency usually appear if the K+ plasma concentration falls below 3.5 mmol/L (hypokalaemia).
Signs of potassium deficiency are neuromuscular function disorders, which can range from minor muscular weakness to actual paralysis, intestinal muscle relaxation up to the paralytic ileus, and frequent disorders of the heart muscle function with ECG changes. Characteristic are delayed PR interval, increased U waves, widened and flattened T waves and a reduction of ST-segment elevation.
Hypokalaemia can be prevented or corrected through increased potassium intake. In addition, an increased potassium intake through a potassium-rich diet, which is not always easy to do, is offered through the administration of Micro-Kalium as a suitable alternative. As there is commonly a deficiency of K+ and Cl- ions, potassium chloride is preferred as salt, in order to balance the majority of clinical symptoms of hypokalaemia.

Pharmacokinetic Properties

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

Absorption
When individual doses of 5 or 6 capsules (corresponding to 40 or 48 mmoL K+) are taken, KCI is gradually released during gastrointestinal transit over a period of approximately 4 hours.
Reabsorption occurs in a way that the renal potassium-excretion is delayed around 40 to 60 minutes compared to a same dose of KCI solution.

Elimination
If potassium balance is achieved, around 90% of the potassium supplied by Micro-Kalium is excreted in urine within 8 hours and more than 98% within 24 hours.