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This medication is a mineral supplement used to prevent or treat low amounts of potassium in the blood. A normal level of potassium in the blood is important so that your cells, nerves, heart, muscles, and kidneys work properly. Normal blood levels of potassium are usually achieved by eating a well-balanced diet. However, certain situations cause your body to lose potassium faster than you can replace it from your diet. These situations include treatment with certain "water pills" (diuretics), a poor diet, or certain medical conditions (e.g., severe diarrhea especially with vomiting).
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Potassium
Uses
This medication is a mineral supplement used to prevent or treat low amounts of potassium in the blood. A normal level of potassium in the blood is important so that your cells, nerves, heart, muscles, and kidneys work properly. Normal blood levels of potassium are usually achieved by eating a well-balanced diet. However, certain situations cause your body to lose potassium faster than you can replace it from your diet. These situations include treatment with certain "water pills" (diuretics), a poor diet, or certain medical conditions (e.g., severe diarrhea especially with vomiting).
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., potassium blood level, kidney function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.Eat a well-balanced diet.
- Foods high in potassium include: bananas, oranges, watermelon, cantaloupe, raisins, dates, prunes, avocados, apricots, beans, broccoli, leafy green vegetables, spinach, potatoes, lentils, fish, chicken, turkey, ham, beef, and milk.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding your specific dietary plan.
Storage
- Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Overdose
- Symptoms of overdose may include irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, confusion, numbness/tingling of the hands/feet, chest pain.
How To Use
- Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor.
- To prevent stomach upset, take each dose with a meal and a full glass (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise.
- Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking this medication.
- Taking this medication in 2-3 divided doses per day may also help to reduce stomach upset.Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
- Remember to take it at the same time(s) each day.
- Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
- Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed.
- Too much potassium in the blood can cause serious side effects.Sustained-release capsules and tablets must be swallowed whole.
- Do not crush, chew, or suck the pills because this may increase side effects.Inform your doctor if symptoms of low potassium blood levels (e.g., muscle cramps/weakness, tiredness, irregular heartbeat) persist or worsen.
Side Effects
- Nausea, vomiting, gas, stomach upset, or diarrhea may occur.
- See How to Use for ways to reduce stomach upset.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: difficult/painful swallowing, feeling as if the capsule/tablet is stuck in your throat.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: vomit that looks like coffee grounds, stomach/abdominal pain or swelling, black/tarry stools.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
- Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before taking potassium, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
- Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: high potassium blood levels, severe kidney disease (e.g., chronic kidney failure, inability to make urine), untreated underactive adrenal gland, sudden loss of body fluids (acute dehydration), severe conditions of tissue breakdown (e.g., severe burns, traumatic injury).Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, certain types of heart disease (e.g., atrioventricular block), esophagus/stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., stomach ulcers, slowed movement, blockage).Kidney function declines as you grow older.
- This medication is removed by the kidneys.
- Therefore, elderly people may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug.This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
- If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug Interactions
- Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it.
- Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.Before taking potassium supplements, check with your doctor if you are taking other medications/products that may also increase the potassium level in your blood.
- A potassium level in the blood that is too high may cause serious side effects.
- Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and continue medications for your condition as directed.
- Keep all medical/laboratory appointments so your doctor can monitor your potassium levels.
- Consult with your doctor if you are taking any of the following: ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, lisinopril), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs such as candesartan, losartan), eplerenone, potassium-sparing "water pills" (diuretics such as amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene), salt substitutes containing potassium.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: digoxin, drospirenone, "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide).Also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take medications that may slow down the movement of potassium capsules/tablets in your digestive system, possibly increasing the risk of side effects.
- These drugs include: anticholinergic drugs (e.g., atropine, scopolamine), certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), antispasmodic drugs (e.g., dicyclomine, hyoscyamine), certain anti-Parkinson's drugs (e.g., benztropine, trihexyphenidyl), belladonna alkaloids, bladder control drugs (e.g., oxybutynin, tolterodine).
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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