Potassium
Drug Review
Compare Prices
Compare Prices
Conditions & Treatments
Choose from these
common conditions
common conditions
Browse treatment centers:
Potassium
(poe tass' i um)
(poe tass' i um)
What makes the information on ConsumerReportsHealth.org different?
- We do not rely simply on drug package inserts and manufacturer claims.
- Our information about drug and safety, off-label uses, side effects and interactions is based on the best available clinical evidence -- the same information used by hospital pharmacists
Glu-K, K 10, K 8, K Care, K Care Effervescent Tablets, Kaochlor 10%, Kaon Elixir, Kaon-Cl 20% Elixir, Kaon-Cl-10, Kay Ciel, K-Dur 10, K-Dur 20, K-Lor, Klor-Con 10, Klor-Con 8, Klor-Con Powder, Klor-Con/25 Powder, Klor-Con/EF, Klotrix, K-Lyte/CL 50 Effervescent Tablets, K-Lyte/CL Effervescent Tablets, K-Lyte DS Effervescent Tablets, K-Lyte Effervescent Tablets, K-Tab Filmtab, Micro-K, Quic-K, Rum-K, Slow-K, Tri-K, Twin-K, KCl
Potassium is essential for the proper functioning of the heart, kidneys, muscles, nerves, and digestive system. Usually the
food you eat supplies all of the potassium you need. However, certain diseases (e.g., kidney disease and gastrointestinal
disease with vomiting and diarrhea) and drugs, especially diuretics ('water pills'), remove potassium from the body. Potassium
supplements are taken to replace potassium losses and prevent potassium deficiency.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Potassium comes in oral liquid, powder, granules, effervescent tablets, regular tablets, extended-release (long-acting) tablets,
and extended-release capsules. It usually is taken two to four times a day, with or immediately after meals. Follow the directions
on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take potassium
exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Take all forms of potassium with a full glass of water or fruit juice.
Add the liquid to water. Dissolve the powder, granules, or effervescent tablets in cold water or fruit juice according to
the manufacturer's directions or the directions on your prescription label; mix the drug well just before you take it. Cold
liquids help mask the unpleasant taste.
Swallow extended-release tablets and capsules whole. Do not chew them or dissolve them in your mouth.
Potassium may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- diarrhea
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- mental confusion
- listlessness
- tingling, prickling, burning, tight, or pulling sensation of arms, hands, legs, or feet
- heaviness or weakness of legs
- cold, pale, gray skin
- stomach pain
- unusual stomach bulging
- black stools
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA)
MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Before taking potassium,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to potassium or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec),and lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril); diuretics ('water pills'); and vitamins. Do not take potassium if you are taking amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), or triamterene (Dyrenium).
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, kidney, or Addison's (adrenal gland) disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking potassium, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking potassium.
If you are using a salt substitute, tell your doctor. Many salt substitutes contain potassium. Your doctor will consider this
source in determining your dose of potassium supplement. Your doctor may advise you to use a potassium-containing salt substitute
and to eat potassium-rich foods (e.g., bananas, prunes, raisins, and milk).
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. Do not
take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature
and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.
Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing,
call local emergency services at 911.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response
to potassium. You may have electrocardiograms (EKGs) and blood tests to see if your dose needs to be changed.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines
you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list
with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with
you in case of emergencies.
Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org to compare drugs and other treatment options for over 100 medical conditions and start making better health decisions. JOIN NOW!
Subscribe now for 24/7 health news and information
Tips for staying healthy and preventing illness
Independent evaluations of diets, fitness routines and other wellness products
Treatment Ratings for over 200 medical and mental health conditions
Unbiased reviews of most prescriptions and OTC drugs
Effectiveness Ratings for over 20,000 Alternative Medic ines
