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In this Article

• What is potassium chloride (K-LOR)?
• What are the possible side effects of potassium chloride?
• What is the most important information I should know about potassium chloride?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking potassium chloride?
• How should I take potassium chloride?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while taking potassium chloride?
• What other drugs will affect potassium chloride?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking potassium chloride?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to it, or if you have certain conditions. Be sure your doctor knows if you have:

• high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia);
• kidney failure;
• Addison's disease (an adrenal gland disorder);
• a large tissue injury such as a severe burn;
• if you are severely dehydrated; or
• if you are taking a "potassium-sparing" diuretic (water pill) such as amiloride (Midamor, Moduretic), spironolactone (Aldactone, Aldactazide), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide).

Before using potassium chloride, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease;
• heart disease or high blood pressure;
• a blockage in your stomach or intestines; or
• chronic diarrhea (such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease).

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take potassium chloride.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether potassium chloride passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take potassium chloride?

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended.

Mix the powder, granule, or liquid form of this medicine with at least 4 ounces (one-half cup) of cold water or fruit juice before taking. Drink the mixture slowly, over 5 to 10 minutes in all. To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

Do not crush, chew, break, or suck on an extended-release tablet or capsule. Swallow the pill whole. Breaking or crushing the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Sucking on a potassium tablet can irritate your mouth or throat.

Take this medication with food or just after a meal.

Your treatment may include a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you should eat or avoid to help control your condition.

Potassium-rich foods include: squash, baked potatoes (skin on), spinach, lentils, broccoli, brussels sprouts, zucchini, kidney or navy beans, raisins, watermelon, orange juice, bananas, cantaloupe, and low-fat milk or yogurt. Consume only the daily amounts recommended by your doctor or nutrition counselor.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested often. Your heart rate may also be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG) to measure electrical activity of the heart. This test will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with potassium. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking potassium suddenly, your condition may become worse.

Store potassium chloride at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medication in a closed container.