K+Care ET

Although a balanced diet usually supplies all the potassium a person needs, potassium supplements may be needed by patients who do not have enough potassium in their regular diet or have lost too much potassium because of illness or treatment with certain medicines.

There is no evidence that potassium supplements are useful in the treatment of high blood pressure .

Lack of potassium may cause muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, mood changes, or nausea and vomiting .

Injectable potassium is administered only by or under the supervision of your doctor . Some forms of oral potassium may be available in stores without a prescription. Since too much potassium may cause health problems, you should take potassium supplements only if directed by your doctor .

For good health, it is important that you eat a balanced and varied diet. Follow carefully any diet program your health care professional may recommend. For your specific dietary vitamin and/or mineral needs, ask your health care professional for a list of appropriate foods.

The following table includes some potassium-rich foods.

The daily amount of potassium needed is defined in several different ways.

For U.S.a€”

• Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) are the amount of vitamins and minerals needed to provide for adequate nutrition in most healthy persons. RDAs for a given nutrient may vary depending on a person`s age, sex, and physical condition (e.g., pregnancy).


• Daily Values (DVs) are used on food and dietary supplement labels to indicate the percent of the recommended daily amount of each nutrient that a serving provides. DV replaces the previous designation of United States Recommended Daily Allowances (USRDAs).

For Canadaa€”

• Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNIs) are used to determine the amounts of vitamins, minerals, and protein needed to provide adequate nutrition and lessen the risk of chronic disease.

Because lack of potassium is rare, there is no RDA or RNI for this mineral . However, it is thought that 1600 to 2000 mg (40 to 50 milliequivalents [mEq]) per day for adults is adequate.

Remember:

• The total amount of potassium that you get every day includes what you get from food and what you may take as a supplement. Read the labels of processed foods. Many foods now have added potassium.


• Your total intake of potassium should not be greater than the recommended amounts, unless ordered by your doctor . In some cases, too much potassium may cause muscle weakness, confusion, irregular heartbeat, or difficult breathing.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

• Tablet, Effervescent


• Solution


• Capsule


• Tablet, Extended Release


• Powder for Suspension, Extended Release


• Tablet


• Powder for Suspension


• Liquid


• Elixir


• Granule


• Capsule, Extended Release


• Powder for Solution

Before Using

If you are taking a dietary supplement without a prescription, carefully read and follow any precautions on the label. For these supplements, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to medicines in this group or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Although there is no specific information comparing use of potassium supplements in children with use in other age groups, they are not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than they do in adults.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people . Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of potassium supplements in the elderly with use in other age groups, they are not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than they do in younger adults.

Older adults may be at a greater risk of developing high blood levels of potassium (hyperkalemia).

Pregnancy

Potassium supplements have not been shown to cause problems in humans.

Breastfeeding

Potassium supplements pass into breast milk. However, this medicine has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Drug Interactions

Using dietary supplements in this class with any of the following medicines is not recommended . Your doctor may decide not to treat you with dietary supplements in this class or change some of the other medicines you take.

• Amantadine


• Atropine


• Belladonna


• Belladonna Alkaloids


• Benztropine


• Biperiden


• Clidinium


• Dicyclomine


• Eplerenone


• Glycopyrrolate


• Hyoscyamine


• Methscopolamine


• Oxybutynin


• Procyclidine


• Scopolamine


• Solifenacin


• Tolterodine


• Trihexyphenidyl

Using dietary supplements in this class with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Alacepril


• Amiloride


• Benazepril


• Canrenoate


• Captopril


• Cilazapril


• Delapril


• Enalaprilat


• Enalapril Maleate


• Fosinopril


• Imidapril


• Indomethacin


• Lisinopril


• Moexipril


• Pentopril


• Perindopril


• Quinapril


• Ramipril


• Spirapril


• Spironolactone


• Temocapril


• Trandolapril


• Triamterene


• Zofenopril

Other Interactions

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of dietary supplements in this class. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Addison`s disease (underactive adrenal glands) or


• Dehydration (excessive loss of body water, continuing or severe)


• Type 2 diabetes mellitus or


• Kidney diseasea€”Potassium supplements may increase the risk of hyperkalemia (high blood levels of potassium), which may worsen or cause heart problems in patients with these conditions.

• Diarrhea (continuing or severe)a€”The loss of fluid in combination with potassium supplements may cause kidney problems, which may increase the risk of hyperkalemia (high blood levels of potassium).

• Heart diseasea€”Potassium supplements may make this condition worse.

• Intestinal or esophageal blockagea€”Potassium supplements may damage the intestines.

• Stomach ulcera€”Potassium supplements may make this condition worse.

Proper Use

For patients taking the liquid form of this medicine:

• This medicine must be diluted in at least one-half glass (4 ounces) of cold water or juice to reduce its possible stomach-irritating or laxative effect .


• If you are on a salt (sodium)-restricted diet, check with your doctor before using tomato juice to dilute your medicine. Tomato juice has a high salt content.

For patients taking the soluble granule, soluble powder, or soluble tablet form of this medicine:

• This medicine must be completely dissolved in at least one-half glass (4 ounces) of cold water or juice to reduce its possible stomach-irritating or laxative effect .


• Allow any "fizzing" to stop before taking the dissolved medicine.


• If you are on a salt (sodium)-restricted diet, check with your doctor before using tomato juice to dilute your medicine. Tomato juice has a high salt content.

For patients taking the extended-release tablet form of this medicine:

• Swallow the tablets whole with a full (8-ounce) glass of water . Do not chew or suck on the tablet .


• Some tablets may be broken or crushed and sprinkled on applesauce or other soft food. However, check with your doctor or pharmacist first, since this should not be done for most tablets.


• If you have trouble swallowing tablets or if they seem to stick in your throat, check with your doctor . When this medicine is not properly released, it can cause irritation that may lead to ulcers.

For patients taking the extended-release capsule form of this medicine:

• Do not crush or chew the capsule. Swallow the capsule whole with a full (8-ounce) glass of water .


• Some capsules may be opened and the contents sprinkled on applesauce or other soft food. However, check with your doctor or pharmacist first, since this should not be done for most capsules.

Take this medicine immediately after meals or with food to lessen possible stomach upset or laxative action.

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor . Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. This is especially important if you are also taking both diuretics (water pills) and digitalis medicines for your heart.

Dosing

The dose medicines in this class will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor`s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For potassium bicarbonate

• For oral dosage forms (tablets for solution):
  
  
  
  • To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
    
    
    
    • Adults and teenagersa€”25 to 50 milliequivalents (mEq) dissolved in one-half to one glass of cold water, taken one or two times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
    
    
    • Childrena€”Dose must be determined by your doctor .
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

For potassium bicarbonate and potassium chloride

• For oral dosage form (granules for solution):
  
  
  
  • To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
    
    
    
    • Adults and teenagersa€”20 milliequivalents (mEq) dissolved in one-half to one glass of cold water, taken one or two times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
    
    
    • Childrena€”Dose must be determined by your doctor .
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• For oral dosage form (tablets for solution):
  
  
  
  • To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
    
    
    
    • Adults and teenagersa€”20, 25, or 50 mEq dissolved in one-half to one glass of cold water, taken one or two times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
    
    
    • Childrena€”Dose must be determined by your doctor .
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

For potassium bicarbonate and potassium citrate

• For oral dosage form (tablets for solution):
  
  
  
  • To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
    
    
    
    • Adults and teenagersa€”25 or 50 milliequivalents (mEq) dissolved in one-half to one glass of cold water, taken one or two times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
    
    
    • Childrena€”Dose must be determined by your doctor .
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

For potassium chloride

• For long-acting oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):
  
  
  
  • To replace potassium lost by the body:
    
    
    
    • Adults and teenagersa€”40 to 100 milliequivalents (mEq) a day, divided into two or three smaller doses during the day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • To prevent potassium loss:
    
    
    
    • Adults and teenagersa€”16 to 24 mEq a day, divided into two or three smaller doses during the day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
    
    
    • Childrena€”Dose must be determined by your doctor .
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• For long-acting oral dosage forms (liquid for solution):
  
  
  
  • To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
    
    
    
    • Adults and teenagersa€”20 mEq mixed into one-half glass of cold water or juice, taken one to four times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
    
    
    • Childrena€”Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor . The usual dose is 1 to 3 mEq of potassium per kilogram (kg) (0.45 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should be well mixed in water or juice.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• For oral dosage form (powder for solution):
  
  
  
  • To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
    
    
    
    • Adults and teenagersa€”15 to 25 mEq dissolved in four to six ounces of cold water, taken two or four times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
    
    
    • Childrena€”Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor . The usual dose is 1 to 3 mEq per kg (0.45 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should be mixed into water or juice.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• For oral dosage form (powder for suspension):
  
  
  
  • To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
    
    
    
    • Adults and teenagersa€”20 mEq dissolved in two to six ounces of cold water, taken one to five times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
    
    
    • Childrena€”Dose must be determined by your doctor .
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• For long-acting oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
  
  
  
  • To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
    
    
    
    • Adults and teenagersa€”6.7 to 20 mEq taken three times a day. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
    
    
    • Childrena€”Dose must be determined by your doctor .
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• For oral dosage form (liquid for solution):
  
  
  
  • To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
    
    
    
    • Adults and teenagersa€”20 milliequivalents (mEq) mixed into one-half glass of cold water or juice, taken two to four times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
    
    
    • Childrena€”Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor . The usual dose is 2 to 3 mEq per kilogram (kg) (0.9 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight a day, taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should be completely mixed into water or juice.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  
  
  
  • To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
    
    
    
    • Adults and teenagersa€”5 to 10 mEq taken two to four times a day. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
    
    
    • Childrena€”Dose must be determined by your doctor .
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

For potassium gluconate and potassium chloride

• For oral dosage form (liquid for solution):
  
  
  
  • To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
    
    
    
    • Adults and teenagersa€”20 milliequivalents (mEq) diluted in 2 tablespoonfuls or more of cold water or juice, taken two to four times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
    
    
    • Childrena€”Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor . The usual dose is 2 to 3 mEq per kilogram (kg) (0.9 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should be well mixed into water or juice.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• For oral dosage form (powder for solution):
  
  
  
  • To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
    
    
    
    • Adults and teenagersa€”20 mEq mixed in 2 tablespoonfuls or more of cold water or juice taken two to four times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
    
    
    • Childrena€”Dose is base on body weight and must be determined by your doctor . The usual dose is 2 to 3 mEq per kg (0.9 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should be well mixed into water or juice.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

For potassium gluconate and potassium citrate

• For oral dosage form (liquid for solution):
  
  
  
  • To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
    
    
    
    • Adults and teenagersa€”20 milliequivalents (mEq) mixed into one-half glass of cold water or juice, taken two to four times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
    
    
    • Childrena€”Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor . The usual dose is 2 to 3 mEq per kg (0.9 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should be well mixed into water or juice.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

For trikates

• For oral dosage form (liquid for solution):
  
  
  
  • To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
    
    
    
    • Adults and teenagersa€”15 milliequivalents (mEq) mixed into one-half glass of cold water or juice, taken three or four times a day. Your doctor may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
    
    
    • Childrena€”Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor . The usual dose is 2 to 3 mEq per kilogram (kg) (0.9 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should be well mixed into water or juice.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Precautions

Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits to make sure the medicine is working properly and that possible side effects are avoided. Laboratory tests may be necessary.

Do not use salt substitutes, eat low-sodium foods, especially some breads and canned foods, or drink low-sodium milk unless you are told to do so by your doctor, since these products may contain potassium. It is important to read the labels carefully on all low-sodium food products .

Check with your doctor before starting any physical exercise program, especially if you are out of condition and are taking any other medicine. Exercise and certain medicines may increase the amount of potassium in the blood .

Check with your doctor at once if you notice blackish stools or other signs of stomach or intestinal bleeding. This medicine may cause such a condition to become worse, especially when taken in tablet form .

Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention .

Stop taking this medicine and check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

• Confusion


• Irregular or slow heartbeat


• Numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips


• Shortness of breath or difficult breathing


• Unexplained anxiety


• Unusual tiredness or weakness


• Weakness or heaviness of legs

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

• Abdominal or stomach pain, cramping, or soreness (continuing)


• Chest or throat pain, especially when swallowing


• Stools with signs of blood (red or black color)

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention . These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Diarrhea


• Nausea


• Stomach pain, discomfort, or gas (mild)


• Vomiting

Sometimes you may see what appears to be a whole tablet in the stool after taking certain extended-release potassium chloride tablets. This is to be expected . Your body has absorbed the potassium from the tablet and the shell is then expelled.

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional .

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.