Potassium Chloride

What is Potassium Chloride for?

This medication is used to treat or prevent low potassium levels in the body by increasing the amount of potassium in the body.

How should I take or use Potassium Chloride?

• Take this medication as prescribed by your healthcare professional
• Do not stop taking your medications without checking with your healthcare professional
• This medication must be taken with or after food
• For Tablets:
  • Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water or other liquids
  • Do not crush, chew or suck the tablet (as it is meant to provide a slow release of the medication into your body over time)
• For Mixtures:
  • Dilute the mixture before drinking

What should I do if I forget to take or use Potassium Chloride?

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only the usual dose. Do not double your dose or use extra medication to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Potassium Chloride?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication, or any of the other ingredients in this medication
• You feel very thirsty with a dry mouth (you could be dehydrated)
• You have ever been diagnosed with metabolic acidosis, a condition where there is increased level of acid in the blood
• You are taking any of the following:
  • Certain medications that lower blood pressure such as Lisinopril, Enalapril, Captopril, Perindopril, Ramipril, Losartan, Valsartan, Telmisartan, Candesartan or Irbesartan
  • Certain medications that remove excess water from your body such as Spironolactone, Eplerenone, Triamterene or Amiloride

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Potassium Chloride?

Do not use salt substitutes or consume low-sodium food products unless your doctor has advised you to do so, as these products may contain potassium. Check the labels carefully on all low-sodium food products before consuming.

What are some common side effects of Potassium Chloride?

Some side effects include stomach discomfort, diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting

• You may reduce the stomach discomfort by taking medication with or after food
• Inform your healthcare professional if there is no improvement or if these side effects worsens

What are some rare but serious side effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

The symptoms of high potassium levels in your blood include:

• Difficulty breathing
  
• Irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Feeling tired or weak
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle weakness

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

How should I store Potassium Chloride?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children. Throw away all expired medications.

How do I throw away Potassium Chloride safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.