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Home > Drug Category > Potassium Supplement > Potassium and Equivalent

Potassium Information

Potassium (Potassium Supplement) treats or prevents low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia). 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 provide the body with additional potassium ions and replenish depleted levels in the blood and intracellular fluid. This helps restore proper nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction (including the heart), and fluid and electrolyte balance maintenance.

Potassium Side Effects

Potassium supplement's most common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gas. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, breathing difficulties, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat;
• Signs of esophageal irritation, such as chest pain, difficulty swallowing;
• Signs of gastrointestinal irritation, such as severe stomach pain, vomiting blood, black or tarry stools;
• Signs of hyperkalemia, such as muscle weakness, fatigue, tingling or numbness, slow or irregular heartbeat, confusion, difficulty breathing, cardiac arrest

Potassium Precautions

Do not use Potassium if you are allergic to Potassium Supplements or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have hyperkalemia, kidney failure, intestinal obstruction, think you may be pregnant, 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 Potassium and other medications, such as potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., Spironolactone, Amiloride), ACE inhibitors (e.g., Lisinopril, Captopril), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) (e.g., Losartan, Valsartan), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen), aliskiren, cyclosporine, digoxin, potassium supplements, etc. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant when using Potassium. Potassium supplements may be used in pregnancy when prescribed by a doctor to prevent or treat hypokalemia. However, discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine in pregnancy with your doctor. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed before using Potassium. Potassium is a normal component of breast milk and is not expected to pose a risk to nursing infants if supplementation in the mother is adequately managed. Discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine when breastfeeding with your doctor. Do not give this medicine to children without talking to your doctor.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Potassium comes in various oral formulations, including tablets. Swallow the Potassium tablet whole. Do not break, chew, or crush it. Take this medication with food or immediately after eating to minimize stomach upset. Do not lie down immediately after taking the medication. Follow any dietary instructions provided by your doctor. Do not use salt substitutes or other potassium-containing products unless directed by your doctor. Keep all scheduled appointments for blood tests to monitor potassium levels. Do not adjust your dose or stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor. Store Potassium at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Potassium?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Potassium.