Kinetics of potassium excretion following oral supplements: evidence of induced natriuresis

Twenty-four healthy normal volunteers were given 40 mEq of three oral formulations of K+ as potassium chloride in a three-way Latin square design. Pharmacokinetic characteristics of potassium disposition were determined using urinary excretion data. Potassium was absorbed almost instantaneously from the 10% (w/v) solution, while a slow first-order absorption could explain the slow release of potassium from Slow-K and the new slow-release tablet. A biphasic elimination of potassium observed during the first 24 hr of urinary excretion suggested the body's adaptive process of changes in rates of elimination of potassium to maintain homeostasis. There was no significant difference (P = 0.25) in total recoveries of potassium in urine during 48 hr of urinary collection among the three formulations (mean +/- SE: solution, 35 +/- 7.1 mEq; Slow-K, 38.1 +/- 7.8 mEq; and new formulations, 33.5 +/- 6.8 mEq). An increased excretion of sodium was observed and correlated with increased potassium excretion following oral potassium administration which could not be explained by changes in urine flow rate. The clinical significance of such an increase in natriuresis is yet to be determined.