Potassium Chloride

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Canadian/Mexican Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to return potassium to the body. There are many reasons why potassium may be lost in large quantities. The most common loss is because of diuretic use. Potassium is needed in certain quantities by every organ in the body.

How does it work?

• Potassium goes to all parts of the body to maintain good function.

How is it best taken?

• Take with food and 8 ounces of liquid unless healthcare provider restricts fluids.
• Mix liquid, powder, granule, or effervescent tablet of potassium in 4 ounces of liquid.
• Swallow sustained-release tablet/capsule whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
• A liquid is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given. May have to stop tube feeding first. Some potassium liquids do not mix with tube feeding.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with healthcare provider.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses unless prescribed by healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have had a stomach ulcer or bleeding, tell healthcare provider. Medicine may be irritating to the stomach.
• Use caution if you have kidney disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
• If water pill is stopped, make sure to ask healthcare provider about potassium. It will usually be stopped too.
• Some forms of potassium are in a wax matrix; you may see this in stool. This is expected. The potassium has been absorbed but the wax is not absorbable and goes right through the intestines.
• Avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes, spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene, and other potassium supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Belly pain and cramps.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Diarrhea.

What should I monitor?

• Periodic blood work is required to look at potassium levels in the body. Talk with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
• Blood in the stool and toilet bowl, vomiting blood, or coughing up blood.
• Weakness, numbness and tingling, lightheadedness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, feeling like passing out.
• Any rash.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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