Potassium Salts effervescent tablets or powder

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What are potassium effervescent tablets or powder?

POTASSIUM (Klorvess®, K-Lyte/Cl®, Effer-K®, Micro-K®, K-Lor®) is a naturally occurring salt that is important for the normal functioning of the heart, muscles, and nerves. Too much or too little potassium in the body can cause serious problems. Potassium occurs naturally in many foods and is normally supplied by a balanced diet. Potassium supplements are used to treat potassium deficiency (hypokalemia) that occurs in certain illnesses or from use of certain medicines. Generic effervescent tablets and powders are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• dehydration
• diarrhea
• stomach ulcers or other stomach problems
• kidney disease
• irregular heartbeat
• an unusual or allergic reaction to potassium salts, tartrazine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

How should I take this medicine?

Dissolve potassium effervescent tablets or powders in a full glass of water and take by mouth. Always make sure the powder or tablet is fully dissolved in at least 4 fluid ounces of water or juice. Undissolved or undiluted potassium can damage your throat and stomach. Make sure the tablet or powder has stopped fizzing or is fully dissolved before you drink the liquid. Take this medicine with or straight after food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can with food or liquids. If it is more than 2 hours since your missed dose, skip that dose and resume your normal schedule. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with potassium salts?

• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
• beta blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems
• cisplatin
• digoxin
• heparin
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for movement abnormalities as in Parkinson's disease, or for gastrointestinal problems
• penicillin G
• sodium polystyrene sulfonate
• trimethoprim
• water pills (diuretics)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking potassium salts?

Changes in the blood potassium level can occur without symptoms, see your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

Too much potassium can be as dangerous as too little potassium. Potassium is a normal part of a regular diet and is found in beef, veal, ham, chicken, turkey, fish, shellfish, milk, bananas, dates, prunes, raisins, avocado, watermelon, molasses, beans, yams, broccoli, brussel sprouts, lentils, potatoes, and spinach. Salt substitutes and 'low-salt' milks also contain large amounts of potassium. Ask your prescriber or health care professional if you need to change your diet and avoid salt-substitutes unless otherwise directed.

What side effects may I notice from taking potassium salts?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• black, tarry stools
• blood in the stools
• confusion
• dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting spells
• irregular heartbeat
• muscle weakness
• numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• severe vomiting
• stomach pain or bloating
• unusual tiredness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• indigestion
• nausea, vomiting

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.