Changes to potassium supplements

Children may need to take potassium supplements for a range of different short- and long-term conditions. Supplies of the liquid potassium medicine “Kay-Cell-L” are likely to be limited over the next few months. As an alternative, children may be prescribed effervescent tablets. These tablets have to be dissolved in water and then the correct amount administered using an oral syringe.

Medicines for Children has updated its leaflet on potassium chloride to explain how to give potassium using effervescent tablets, available here. We have also prepared a separate information leaflet on how to prepare and give potassium, calcium and phosphate effervescent tablets, available here.

Can I order extra stocks of liquid medicine?

Parents should not order extra supplies of the liquid medicine, as this may make the supply issues worse for other people.

What should I do if I am given effervescent tablets?

• If you are given effervescent tablets for your child, make sure you understand what to do. You will need to dissolve the tablet in a specific volume of water (measured using a syringe) and then give your child some of this mixture, measured using a smaller syringe.
• If you are not sure, check with your healthcare professional, so that you don’t give the wrong amount by accident.
• Some effervescent tablets have similar packaging – particularly Sando K (potassium) and Phosphate Sandoz. It is important to check that you are giving the right medicine each time.
• When you receive a new supply of medicine, check how much water you should use to make the mixture, and how much of the mixture to give your child.

Where can I get more information?

You can read more about why there are sometimes problems with the supplies of medicines, and what to do, here.