Potassium chloride is used to treat or prevent low potassium levels in the blood.
Take Potassium chloride exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Potassium chloride is available as an extended-release tablet or capsule or as a powder for oral solution.
If you are taking the extended-release type of tablet or capsule (usually labelled as "ER"), swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew, or crush the tablet or capsule.
If necessary, the extended-release capsule may also be opened, and the contents may be sprinkled on a spoonful of applesauce or pudding. The mixture should be immediately swallowed without chewing.
If you are taking the powder for oral solution, dissolve the contents of one packet in at least 120 mL of cold water or other beverages. Stir to disperse the powder evenly, then drink the solution immediately.
The dose of Potassium chloride will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the severity of your condition and blood potassium levels.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- high potassium levels in the blood
- blockage of the food passage, stomach or gut due to the use of certain medicines or certain conditions
as Potassium chloride may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Potassium chloride with certain water pills or medicines for water retention, such as spironolactone, amiloride and triamterene.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- imbalance in blood pH (acid-base)
- heart disease
- cirrhosis (scarring or damage of the liver)
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Potassium chloride to a child or the elderly. Children or elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Routine tests (e.g. electrolyte levels, kidney function, ECG [test used to record the electrical activity of the heart]) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Potassium chloride may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, stomach wind, diarrhoea, and rash.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- muscle weakness, cramping or numbness; fast or irregular heartbeat
- passing out bloody or black as tar stools and vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Potassium chloride with certain water pills or medicines for water retention, such as spironolactone, amiloride and triamterene.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- certain medicines for high blood pressure
- medicines used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Potassium chloride.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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