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Home > Drug Category > Potassium Supplement > K-Dur and Equivalent

K-Dur Information

K-Dur (Potassium Chloride) is used to treat or prevent hypokalemia. Hypokalemia indicates a low level of potassium in the blood. Potassium is an essential mineral and electrolyte for maintaining bodily functions, like nerve and muscle function, fluid balance, and heart rhythm. Diarrhea, vomiting, laxative overuse, certain medications, and kidney problems can lead to hypokalemia. Mineral supplements like Potassium Chloride work by replenishing the potassium levels in your body, allowing your cells, nerves, and muscles to function properly again.

K-Dur Side Effects

The most common side effects of K-Dur may include vomiting, stomach discomfort, mild diarrhea, and mild nausea. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Black, bloody, or tarry stools;
• Confusion;
• Leg discomfort;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, breathing difficulties, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat;
• Signs of hyperkalemia, such as muscle weakness, fatigue, nausea, numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, confusion, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing;
• Uneven heartbeat

K-Dur Precautions

Do not use K-Dur if you are allergic to Potassium Chloride or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have kidney failure, Addison’s disease, severe dehydration, hyperkalemia, extensive tissue injury, kidney disease, heart disease, stomach or intestinal blockage, chronic diarrhea, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between K-Dur and other medications that increase potassium levels (like potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., eplerenone, spironolactone), ACE inhibitors (e.g., benazepril), ARBs (e.g., losartan), increasing the risk of hyperkalemia. It can also interact with drugs such as digoxin or quinidine. Medicines that slow digestion (like ipratropium) may increase the risk of stomach irritation. Inform your doctor if you take any other medications, including diuretics (water pills) like chlorothiazide, as your overall treatment plan needs coordination. Do not use K-Dur if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without informing your doctor. It is unknown if this medicine will harm an unborn baby. However, low potassium levels in pregnancy can affect maternal and fetal health. Discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine in pregnancy with your doctor. Do not use K-Dur while breastfeeding without talking to your doctor. It is unknown if Potassium Chloride passes into breast milk or if it may harm a nursing infant. Do not give K-Dur to children without talking to your doctor.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. K-Dur comes as an extended-release tablet designed to release potassium slowly. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. Breaking or crushing the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time into your bloodstream. Swallow the tablet whole. Take K-Dur with food or just after a meal. You may need frequent blood tests to be sure the medication is helping your condition. Your doctor may recommend doing an ECG to measure the electrical activity of your heart. K-Dur may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes a special diet of potassium-rich foods. Consume only the daily recommended amounts by your doctor. Do not stop taking K-Dur without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking potassium suddenly, your condition may become worse. Avoid using potassium supplements or other potassium-containing products without first consulting your doctor. Store K-Dur at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order K-Dur?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order K-Dur.