Effervescent Potassium/Chloride and Metaproterenol Sulfate

• Generic Name: potassium bicarbonate / potassium chloride
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Effervescent Potassium, K-Effervescent, K-vescent, K-vescent, K+Care ET, Klor-Con/EF, Effer-K, Effervescent Potassium/Chloride, K-Lyte/Cl, Klorvess Effervescent, K-Lyte/Cl 50

Potassium is a mineral that is found in many foods and is needed for several functions of your body, especially the beating of your heart.

Effervescent Potassium/Chloride is used to prevent or to treat low blood levels of potassium (hypokalemia). Potassium levels can be low as a result of a disease or from taking certain medicines, or after a prolonged illness with diarrhea or vomiting.

Effervescent Potassium/Chloride may also be used for other purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: metaproterenol
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names:

  Metaprel, Alupent

Symptomatic management of bronchospasm in patients with reversible, obstructive airway disease (e.g., asthma). Manufacturer recommends against use with other β-adrenergic bronchodilators. (See Specific Drugs under Interactions.)

Current asthma management guidelines and most clinicians recommend anti-inflammatory therapy with an orally inhaled corticosteroid as first-line therapy for long-term control of persistent asthma, supplemented by intermittent, as-needed use of a short-acting, inhaled β2-agonist.

The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) does not recommend nonselective β-adrenergic agonists, including metaproterenol, for treatment of asthma because of the associated potential for excessive cardiac stimulation, particularly in high doses.

Symptomatic management of reversible bronchospasm in patients with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Manufacturer recommends against use with other β-adrenergic bronchodilators. (See Specific Drugs under Interactions.)