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Home > Drug Category > Potassium Supplement > Slow K and Equivalent

Slow K Information

Slow K (Potassium Chloride) treats or prevents hypokalemia, a condition of low potassium levels 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.

Slow K Side Effects

The most common side effects of Slow K 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:
• Difficulty swallowing;
• Gastrointestinal issues, such as severe nausea, vomiting blood, severe abdominal pain, black or tarry stools;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, breathing difficulties, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat;
• Signs of high potassium levels in the blood, such as muscle weakness, fatigue, nausea, tingling or numbness in the hands, feet or lips, slow or irregular heartbeat, cardiac arrest

Slow K Precautions

Do not use Slow K 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 disease, a history of severe or active stomach or intestinal ulcers, difficulty swallowing, stomach or intestinal obstruction, diabetes, Addison’s disease, high blood pressure, severe dehydration, conditions that predispose you to high potassium levels, 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 Slow K and other medications, such as potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., Spironolactone), ACE inhibitors (e.g., Captopril), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) (e.g., Losartan), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., Ibuprofen), potassium supplements, tacrolimus, digoxin, quinidine, etc. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before using Slow K. 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. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed before using Slow K. It is unknown if Potassium Chloride passes into breast milk or if it may harm a nursing infant. Do not give Slow K to children without talking to your doctor.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Slow K is available as an extended-release tablet. Swallow the Slow K tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not break, chew, or crush it. Inform your doctor if you have difficulty swallowing the tablets. Take this medicine with food or immediately after eating to minimize the risk of stomach upset. Do not lie down immediately after taking Slow K. This medicine may be a part of a comprehensive treatment program with special diet instructions. Follow your doctor’s instructions. Do not use salt substitutes or other potassium-containing products unless your doctor tells you to. Many salt substitutes contain potassium, and using them in addition to Slow K can lead to excessive potassium intake. Your doctor may recommend undergoing regular blood tests to monitor your potassium levels and adjust your dosage as needed. Store Slow K at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Slow K?

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