Potassium is a mineral that is found in many foods and is necessary for several functions of the body, especially the beating of the heart.

Potassium chloride is used to prevent or treat hypokalemia (hypokalemia).

Potassium levels may be low due to illness or taking certain medications, or after prolonged diarrhea or vomiting.

Warning.

If you have high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia), or if you are also taking a "potassium-saving" diuretic, you should not use potassium chloride.

To make sure potassium chloride is helpful for your condition, your blood may need to be tested frequently. Your heart rate can also be measured using an electrocardiogram machine or electrocardiogram (sometimes called an EKG) to measure the electrical activity of your heart. This test will help your doctor decide how long to treat you with potassium. Don't miss any scheduled appointments.

Serious side effects of potassium include an uneven heartbeat, a feeling of muscle weakness or weakness, severe stomach pain, and numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or mouth.

Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor first. If you suddenly stop taking this medicine, your condition may get worse.

Do not crush, chew, break, or suck on sustained-release tablets or capsules. Swallow the pill whole. Breaking or crushing the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at once. Sucking on a pill can irritate your mouth or throat. Take potassium chloride with food or after meals.

How should I take potassium chloride?

Take potassium chloride exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all instructions on the prescription label and read all medication guidelines or instructions. Your doctor may occasionally change your dosage.

Read and carefully follow any instructions provided with your medication. If you do not understand these instructions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Put potassium chloride with a full cup of water. Potassium chloride is taken with food, and if this medicine is uncomfortable for your stomach, take it after meals.

Measure liquid medication using the dispensing syringe or special dosing spoon or cup provided. If you don't have a dosimetry device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Do not crush, chew, or suck pills or capsules. Taking birth control pills may irritate your mouth or throat.

If you have trouble swallowing potassium chloride capsules or tablets, call your doctor. You can dissolve the tablets in water, or mix the medicine in the capsules with soft foods. Follow the doctor's instructions carefully.

Before taking, mix a powdered form of this medication with at least 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of cold water or juice. Drink this mixture slowly, over a total of 5 to 10 minutes. To make sure you get the full dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently, and drink immediately.

To make sure this medication is helpful for your condition, you may need frequent blood tests. You may not notice any change in your symptoms, but your blood tests will help your doctor decide how long to treat you with potassium chloride. Your heart function may need to be checked using an electrocardiogram machine or electrocardiogram (sometimes called an EKG). Even if you don't have symptoms, testing can help your doctor determine if the medication is working.

Your treatment may include a special diet. Follow the eating plan your doctor or nutrition consultant has set for you. Familiarize yourself with the list of foods you should eat or avoid to help manage your condition.

Potassium-rich foods include: squash, baked potatoes (peeled), spinach, lentils, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, green beans or beans, raisins, watermelon, orange juice, bananas, cantaloupe, and low-fat milk or yogurt. Only eat as much as your doctor or nutritional consultant recommends each day.

Some tablets have shells that don't absorb or melt in the body. Part of this shell may end up in your feces. This is normal and does not reduce the effectiveness of the drug.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine in an airtight container.