Potassium Chloride Information

POTASSIUM CHLORIDE is a potassium supplement used to prevent and to treat low potassium. Potassium is important for the heart, muscles, and nerves. Too much or too little potassium in the body can cause serious problems.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -Addison's disease -dehydration -diabetes -difficulty swallowing -heart disease -high levels of potassium in the blood -irregular heartbeat -kidney disease -recent severe burn -stomach ulcers or other stomach problems -an unusual or allergic reaction to potassium, tartrazine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives -pregnant or trying to get pregnant -breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take with food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not suck on, crush, or chew this medicine. If you have difficulty swallowing, ask the pharmacist how to take. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications: -certain diuretics such as spironolactone, triamterene -certain medicines for stomach problems like atropine; difenoxin and glycopyrrolate -eplerenone -sodium polystyrene sulfonate This medicine may also interact with the following medications: -certain medicines for blood pressure or heart disease like lisinopril, losartan, quinapril, valsartan -medicines that lower your chance of fighting infection such as cyclosporine, tacrolimus -NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen -other potassium supplements -salt substitutes

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. You will need lab work done regularly. You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medicine. Ask your doctor.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: -allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue -black, tarry stools -breathing problems -confusion -heartburn -fast, irregular heartbeat -feeling faint or lightheaded, falls -low blood pressure -numbness or tingling in hands or feet -pain when swallowing -unusually weak or tired -weakness, heaviness of legs Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): -diarrhea -nausea, vomiting -stomach pain.