Effects of K salt or a potassium blocker on gossypol-related hypokalemia.

Gossypol was found to be an effective male contraceptive. The most serious side effect of gossypol contraception was the presumed lowering of serum potassium levels. The purpose of this present randomized and controlled study was to evaluate the merit of ingesting K salt or a potassium blocker while using gossypol. Results indicated that supplementation of K salt does not cause a reversal of the effect of gossypol on serum potassium levels and the blocker triamterene does not prevent loss of serum potassium.