Potassium Chloride
What is the brand name for this medicine?
Klor-Con, K-Dur, K-Lyte
What is this medicine used for?
Potassium is used to treat or prevent low amounts of potassium in the blood, a condition called hypokalemia.
How is this medicine taken?
Follow the instructions given to you by your doctor. Potassium should be taken with food or right after a meal to prevent stomach upset.
Take the medication with a full glass of water. Do not chew or crush tablets unless your are told to do so by your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
With some sustained release forms of potassium you may find a wax matrix in your stool. Don’t be alarmed, this is only the outer shell and does not mean that the drug hasn’t absorbed. A
Avoid using salt substitutes. (Salt substitutes contain potassium).
What if I miss a dose?
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.
How is this medicine stored?
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Keep away from heat and light.
Are there side effects?
Side Effects that may go away with treatment include, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset and diarrhea. If you suffer from an irregular hearbeat, have weak or heavy legs, tingling in your hands or your feet or numbness, see a doctor at once. These are signs of too much potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia).
Are there precautions with this medicine?
Use with caution, if at all, if you are taking a potassium-sparing diuretic or ACE inhibitor. For more information, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Can I take this medicine if I’m pregnant or breast-feeding?
It is now known whether potassium salts can cause harm to the fetus. If you plan on becoming pregnant or plan to breast feed, talk to your doctor about the risks verusus the benefits.
Can I take this medicine with other medicines?
Yes, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist in you are taking “Ace inhibitors” Certain blood pressure medicine called ace inhibitors such as captopril or lisinopril can increase the amount of potassium in the body. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
