Controlled release potassium dosage form

Abstract

A pharmaceutical composition for oral administration of potassium salt in a form not irritating to the gastrointestinal mucosa comprises tablets or capsules of micropellets of a potassium salt, such as potassium chloride. The micropellets are coated with a permeable polymer comprising a low viscosity (10 cp.) ethylcellulose in combination with triacetin. This coating provides a strong film resistant to breakage during formation of tablets and filling of capsules. The protective coating of the micropellets prevents the early release of potassium ions, while the tablet or capsule disintegrates and the micropellets are dispersed within the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. As water passes through the permeable but insoluble coating, potassium ions are gradually eluted into the fluid of the tract over a period of many hours, thereby allowing time for the ions to be absorbed from the tract before high, irritating ion concentrations can form.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.