What is the brand name for Potassium Chloride?
The most common brand name for Potassium Chloride is Klor-Con / K-Dur.
PTCE Top 200 · #44
Potassium Chloride
Klor-Con / K-Dur
Potassium Chloride is the generic name for the brand-name drug Klor-Con. It is an electrolyte supplement used to treat potassium replacement. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Potassium Chloride ranks #44 and is one of the most frequently tested cardiovascular medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Potassium Chloride |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Klor-Con / K-Dur |
| Drug class | Electrolyte supplement |
| Class group | Cardiovascular |
| Common use | potassium replacement |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Potassium Chloride used for?
• Treatment or prevention of hypokalemia. • Potassium supplementation in patients unable to maintain adequate dietary intake.
What drug class is Potassium Chloride?
Potassium Chloride is an Electrolyte supplement in the Cardiovascular group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Potassium Chloride
- arrow_rightGI upset (nausea, vomiting)
- arrow_rightAbdominal discomfort
- arrow_rightDiarrhea
- arrow_rightHyperkalemia (especially in at-risk patients)
Major interactions
- arrow_rightACE inhibitors/ARBs, potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone) ↑ hyperkalemia risk
- arrow_rightNSAIDs may ↑ hyperkalemia risk
- arrow_rightDrugs that slow GI motility (anticholinergics, opioids) ↑ risk of GI irritation/ulceration with solid K+ forms
Is Potassium Chloride a controlled substance?
No. Potassium Chloride is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Potassium Chloride (PTCE mnemonic)
KLOR-con replaces K+ for the heart — DO NOT crush ER tablets (GI ulcer). Take with food + full water; watch ↑K+ with ACE/ARB/spironolactone.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Potassium chloride is a high-alert electrolyte — never crush the extended-release tablets, and KCl must never be given IV push undiluted.
Potassium Chloride FAQ
What is Potassium Chloride used for?
Potassium Chloride is used to treat potassium replacement. • Treatment or prevention of hypokalemia. • Potassium supplementation in patients unable to maintain adequate dietary intake.
What drug class is Potassium Chloride?
Potassium Chloride is an Electrolyte supplement (Cardiovascular group).
Is Potassium Chloride a controlled substance?
No. Potassium Chloride is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the Cardiovascular group
Drill Potassium Chloride the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).