Potassium Supplements - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Who should not use potassium supplements?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take potassium supplements.

• Effer-K
• K-Dur
• K-Tab
• Klor-Con
• Klotrix
• Micro-K
• Pokonza
• Potassium
• Slow K
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific potassium supplements they stock.

High Potassium Levels. You should not take potassium supplements if you have high potassium levels (hyperkalemia). Let your health care provider know if you have a history of high potassium levels. Also let them know if you have a condition or take a medicine that increases your risk of high potassium levels.

Esophagus, Stomach, or Gut Problems. You should not take tablets or capsules that contain potassium chloride if you have certain problems with your esophagus, stomach, or gut. Some examples of these problems include ulcers in the stomach or intestines, trouble swallowing food, slow stomach emptying (gastroparesis), or a blocked intestine. If you have any of these conditions, talk to your health care provider about whether a different potassium supplement may be a better option for you.

Drug Interactions. Potassium supplements should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking potassium supplements, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about potassium supplements before using them?

Potassium is found in many foods and drinks. It is uncommon for most people to have a low potassium level or a deficiency, but certain health conditions or medicines may increase your risk. If you are not sure whether you need a potassium supplement or which one to take, ask your pharmacist or other health care provider. Tell all of your health care providers if you start or stop taking a potassium supplement.

There are multiple forms of potassium supplements available. If potassium supplements were prescribed to you by a health care provider, take them as prescribed. If you are taking potassium as an over-the-counter supplement, follow the instructions that come with the product or take it as recommended by your health care provider. Prescription potassium supplements contain much higher amounts of potassium than over-the-counter potassium supplements. You should not switch from one type of product to the other. If you have any questions about how to use potassium supplements, talk to your health care provider.

Do not share potassium supplements that were prescribed to you by a health care provider with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep potassium supplements out of the reach of children.

Potassium supplements contain potassium. You should not take other forms of potassium, such as other potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, without talking with your health care provider first.

Most prescription potassium supplements should be taken while eating or right after eating. This can help reduce the risk of side effects.

Potassium bicarbonate tablets should be dissolved in a cold or icy beverage. Follow the instructions that come with the medicine. As the tablet dissolves, it will cause the drink to become fizzy. Once the tablet is completely dissolved, drink the dose slowly over the next 5-10 minutes.

If you are taking potassium chloride liquid or powder, these products should be mixed with about half cup (120 milliliters) of a cold beverage before use. Drink the dose soon after it is mixed. Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

Potassium chloride extended-release tablets should not be chewed, crushed, or sucked on. These tablets should be taken with a full glass of water. It is normal to see pieces of these tablets in your stool (poop).

If you are taking potassium chloride extended-release capsules and have trouble swallowing whole capsules, you can open the capsules and sprinkle the medicine onto a soft food, such as applesauce or pudding. The soft food should be swallowed whole, without chewing, and followed by a full glass of water or juice. Do not sprinkle the medicine onto hot foods.

Your health care provider may check your heart rhythm and blood levels while you are taking potassium supplements. Keep all appointments for your blood tests and other tests.

What should I tell my health care provider before using potassium supplements?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if potassium supplements are right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Dehydration
• Diabetes
• Esophagus or intestine problems
• Stomach problems, including ulcers or gastroparesis
• Heart problems
• Kidney or liver problems
• Swallowing problems
• Plans to start a new exercise program
• Follow a low-salt (sodium) diet
• A rare genetic muscle condition called myotonia congenita
• A rare genetic muscle condition called familial periodic paralysis

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how potassium supplements could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take potassium supplements while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Potassium is a normal part of breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take potassium supplements while breastfeeding.