Potassium Chloride (By Mouth)

Potassium Chloride (poe-TAS-ee-um KLOR-ide)

A supplement for people who do not have enough potassium in the body. This is caused by either taking drugs such as diuretics (water pills) or from certain diseases.

Brand Name(s):

Klor-Con M20, Klor-Con 10, Klor-Con M10, Klor-Con/25, Klor-Con 8, Klor-Con, K-Dur 20, Micro-K, Micro-K 10, K-Dur 10, K-Tab, K-Vescent, K+Care, Kay Ciel, K-Lor
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an unusual or allergic reaction to any medicine that has potassium in it. You should not use this medicine if you have severe kidney disease.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Long Acting Capsule, Powder, Liquid, Long Acting Tablet, Granule

• Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
• Take this medicine with food or right after eating.
• Take the powder, granule, or oral liquid only after mixing in one-half glass (4 ounces) of water or juice.
• Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet, extended-release capsule, or capsule. Swallow it whole with full glass of water.
• If you are using the extended-release tablet, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you want to crush or break the tablet. Some brands of this medicine can be broken or crushed and mixed in water, and some brands must be swallowed whole. If you mix the crushed tablet in water, swallow all of the mixture right away. Do not save any of the mixture to use later.

If a dose is missed:

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take your medicine and skip the missed dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time unless your doctor tells you to do so.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene, Capoten®, Vasotec®, Zestril®, or any medicine that has potassium in it.
• Follow the diet ordered by your doctor.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using salt substitutes.
• Many types of foods, such as fresh fruits (bananas), fresh vegetables, and fresh meats, also contain potassium. You should not eat too much of them while using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• You should not use more of this medicine than ordered by your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Confusion
• Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• Numb hands or feet
• Excessive weakness or heaviness of legs
• Trouble breathing
• Severe stomach pain or vomiting
• Pain in chest or throat
• Red or black stools with diarrhea

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild nausea or cramps
• Stomach discomfort, loose stools

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.