Active Ingredient: Potassium chloride
Schedule: S2 (Available without prescription in South Africa)
PLENISH-K 600 SR is a sustained-release tablet designed to supplement potassium in individuals who have low levels of this vital mineral. While it is available over the counter, it is essential to use it responsibly and only when advised by a healthcare provider.
What is PLENISH-K 600 SR Used For?
PLENISH-K 600 SR is used to prevent or treat low potassium levels (hypokalaemia) in the body. Potassium is an essential mineral that helps regulate:
- Heart function
- Muscle contractions
- Nerve signals
- Acid-base balance
Certain medications like diuretics (water tablets) or digoxin can lower potassium levels, making supplementation necessary.
What Does PLENISH-K 600 SR Contain?
Each sustained-release tablet contains:
- Potassium chloride (600 mg) — the active ingredient that helps increase potassium levels.
Other ingredients include:
- Ethylcellulose 7 cps
- Magnesium stearate
- Purified talc
- Stearyl alcohol
Note: This medication is sugar-free.
Who Should Not Take PLENISH-K 600 SR?
Avoid PLENISH-K 600 SR if you:
- Are allergic to potassium chloride or any other ingredients in the tablet
- Have stomach or intestinal ulcers
- Suffer from kidney failure
- Have Addison’s disease (a disorder of adrenal gland function)
- Recently experienced trauma, severe burns, or complications after cancer treatment
- Have difficulty swallowing or a blocked digestive tract
- Have metabolic acidosis (excess acid in the blood)
- Are dehydrated
- Have high potassium levels (hyperkalaemia)
- Have a rare condition called hyporeninaemic hypoaldosteronism
Warnings and Precautions
Speak to your doctor before taking PLENISH-K 600 SR if you:
- Had intestinal surgery (e.g., colostomy)
- Have digestive issues or difficulty with bowel movements
- Have a history of ulcers
- Suffer from heart disease or kidney problems
- Experience severe nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea, or gastrointestinal bleeding
Using PLENISH-K 600 SR Safely
How to Take It
- Dosage (Adults): 6 to 12 tablets per day, but no more than 2 tablets at once
- Take tablets with food and a full glass of water
- Do not crush, chew, or suck the tablet
- Sit upright while taking to avoid throat or stomach irritation
- Your doctor may adjust the dosage based on your response
Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose:
- Take it as soon as you remember if it’s within a few hours
- Do not double up on the next dose
Overdose
Signs of overdose may include muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, or confusion. Seek medical help immediately or contact a poison control centre.
Interactions: What Medicines Should Be Avoided?
Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications you’re taking. Avoid using PLENISH-K 600 SR with:
| Medicine Type | Examples | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Potassium-sparing diuretics | Triamterene, amiloride | May raise potassium to dangerous levels |
| Aldosterone antagonists | Spironolactone, eplerenone | Increases potassium |
| ACE inhibitors | Lisinopril, enalapril | Risk of hyperkalaemia |
| Angiotensin-II blockers | Valsartan, losartan | May raise potassium |
| NSAIDs | Indomethacin | Kidney stress, raises potassium |
| Beta-blockers | Atenolol, propranolol | May impair potassium excretion |
| Direct renin inhibitors | Aliskiren | Potassium accumulation |
| Anticholinergics | Atropine | Slows bowel, increases risk of obstruction |
| Heparin | Blood thinner | Increases potassium |
| Digoxin | Heart medication | Irregular heartbeat if potassium is abnormal |
| Ciclosporin | Immunosuppressant | May elevate potassium |
| Potassium-containing salt substitutes | – | Increases risk of potassium overload |
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The safety of PLENISH-K 600 SR during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Always consult your healthcare provider before use.
Can You Drive or Operate Machinery?
PLENISH-K 600 SR may affect your ability to concentrate or operate machines. Avoid driving or using heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
Possible Side Effects
Like all medicines, PLENISH-K 600 SR can cause side effects. If any of these occur, stop taking the medicine and seek urgent help:

Serious Allergic Reactions (Call Emergency Services)
- Swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Severe rash or itching
Severe Reactions
- Stomach or intestinal bleeding
- Intestinal blockage (bloating, vomiting, no bowel movement)
Other Side Effects (Report to Doctor)
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Stomach ulcers | Pain, indigestion, bleeding |
| Nausea or vomiting | Feeling or being sick |
| Diarrhoea | Loose stools |
| Stomach cramps | Discomfort or pain |
| Skin rash or itching | Allergic-type skin irritation |
If you notice any other unexpected symptoms, inform your doctor or pharmacist.
Storage and Disposal
- Store below 25°C
- Keep away from moisture and in the original packaging
- Do not store in the bathroom
- Keep out of reach of children
- Return unused or expired medicine to your pharmacist. Do not throw it into the toilet or drain.
How PLENISH-K 600 SR Looks and Is Supplied
Tablet Appearance: Round, plain, white to off-white, deep biconvex tablets.
Available Packaging (Not all pack sizes may be marketed):
| Quantity | Packaging Type |
|---|---|
| 500 tablets | Amber PVC jar with white crab claw cap |
| 100 tablets | White securitainer with tamper-proof cap |
| 60 tablets | Blister strips in cartons |
| 28, 56, or 84 tablets | Ziploc sealed metallized layflat |
Manufacturer Contact Information
Pharmacare Limited
Healthcare Park, Woodlands Drive, Woodmead, 2191
South Africa
Conclusion
PLENISH-K 600 SR is a helpful solution for managing low potassium levels, but it must be taken responsibly. Always follow dosage instructions, be aware of potential interactions and side effects, and consult your healthcare provider with any concerns. When used correctly, PLENISH-K 600 SR can effectively restore your potassium balance and support your overall health.
Education:
NPU (National Pharmaceutical University) 2010-2015, 2015-2016 internship
Work experience:
2010 – 2012 Pharmacy 63 – Production Department
2012 – 2015 Pharmacy 63 – Pharmacist
2015 – 2016 Pharmacy 63 – Pharmacist
2016 – to date Pharmacy UA – Head of Pharmacy






