Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: POTASSIUM (poe-TASS-ee-um)
This medicine is a potassium supplement used to treat or prevent low potassium levels in the blood.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking digoxin, potassium-sparing diuretics (such as amiloride, spironolactone, or triamaterene), ACE inhibitors (such as enalapril or lisinopril), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen), or aldosterone blockers (such as eplerenone). Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including adrenal gland problems, dehydration, diabetes, diarrhea, esophagus or swallowing problems, extensive tissue injury (such as severe burns), heat cramps, heart problems, high blood acid levels, high blood pressure, kidney problems, muscle problems, skin problems (such as scleroderma or thick skin), if your body does not excrete potassium properly, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of high blood potassium levels; blockage of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines; severe kidney problems; or a narrowed esophagus due to an enlarged heart. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. SOME BRANDS OF POTASSIUM must be swallowed whole. OTHER BRANDS may be broken in half or dissolved in water. IF YOU HAVE DIFFICULTY SWALLOWING THE TABLET WHOLE, ask your pharmacist to suggest other ways to take your brand of potassium. DO NOT crush this medicine or suck on the tablet. TAKE THIS MEDICINE WITH A FULL GLASS (8 oz./240 ml) OF WATER. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with food or right after a meal. DO NOT LIE DOWN for 30 minutes after taking this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including blood electrolyte levels and kidney function, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. TELL YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU WILL BE CONFINED to a bed or chair for a long period of time. DO NOT USE A SALT SUBSTITUTE without checking with your doctor. For some products, you may notice tablets in your stool. This is the empty shell that is left after your body has absorbed the medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any vitamins containing potassium. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while you are taking this medicine include gas, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, or diarrhea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience black, tarry stools; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or stomach pain or swelling. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain; irregular heartbeat; weak or heavy legs; unusual muscle weakness or paralysis; listlessness; unusual confusion or anxiety; or numbness or tingling in your skin, lips, hands, or feet. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include chest pain; limp muscles; listlessness; muscle weakness or paralysis; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; or slow or difficult breathing.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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