1 The effect on plasma potassium of 64 mmol potassium chloride (KCl) in two oral formulations was compared against placebo in five healthy men, and their bioavailability was calculated from urinary data. 2 Mean plasma potassium varied between 4.0-4.6 mmol/I during the placebo phase and mean (s.d.) urinary potassium excretion was 84.4 (18.5) mmol over 36 h. 3 KCl syrup produced a significant change in plasma potassium over 24 h (P < 0.02) with a marked elevation in the first 3 h after dosing and a mean (s.d.) peak plasma potassium 1.72 (0.52) mmol/l higher than placebo (P < 0.05). By 36 h an excess of 55.9 (23.9) mmol potassium, equivalent to 87.3% of the stated dose, was excreted in the urine. 4 KCI in wax base had a less consistent effect on plasma potassium (P > 0.5) and its effect was no more prolonged. The mean peak increment in plasma potassium was 1.03 (0.42) mmol/l (P < 0.01) and the total potassium excretion was 50.5 (17.7) mmol higher than placebo values giving a bioavailability of 78.8% calculated from the stated dose.

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In 193 hypertensive patients taking bendrofluazide 5 mg daily, the mean serum potassium concentration was lower in women than in men (3.77 vs 3.99 mmolll, P < 0.001) and the prevalence of hypokalaemia (< 3.5 mmol/l) was higher (25% vs 12%, P < 0.05). This difference between the sexes was independent of age, body weight, renal function, the use of other antihypertensive drugs and compliance with treatment as judged by tablet counts. Severe hypokalaemia (< 3.0 mmol/l) was uncommon and showed no difference between the sexes.

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