Potassium Bicarbonate, Potassium Chloride Effervescent tablet

What is this medicine?

POTASSIUM (poe TASS i um) is a natural salt that is important for the heart, muscles, and nerves. Too much or too little potassium in the body can cause serious problems. Potassium is found in many foods and is normally supplied by a balanced diet. This medicine is a potassium supplement that is used to prevent and to treat low potassium.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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
• diabetes
• irregular heartbeat
• kidney disease
• stomach ulcers or other stomach problems
• an unusual or allergic reaction to potassium, tartrazine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Add one tablet to a glass with 3 to 4 ounces of cold water. Allow the medicine to dissolve completely. Sip the mixture slowly over 5 to 10 minutes. Do not open the foil pouch until you are ready to take that dose. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

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

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• eplerenone
• sodium polystyrene sulfonate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• heart medicines
• medicines for cold or allergies
• medicines for Parkinson's disease
• medicines for the stomach like metoclopramide, dicyclomine, glycopyrrolate
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• other potassium supplements
• salt substitutes
• some diuretics

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. You will need lab work done regularly.

You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medicine. Ask your doctor.

Side effects like stomach upset, nausea and diarrhea happen more when this medicine is not mixed properly or not taken with food. Follow mixing instructions exactly each time you take a dose.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• anxiety, confusion
• black, tarry stools
• breathing problems
• heartburn
• irregular heartbeat
• numbness or tingling in lips, hands or feet
• pain when swallowing
• unusually weak or tired
• weakness, heaviness of legs

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• nausea
• stomach upset
• vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should 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). Do not open foil pouch until ready to use to protect this medicine from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE:This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.