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What is the most important information I should know about potassium bicarbonate?
Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking enalapril, unless your doctor has told you to.
What is potassium bicarbonate?
Potassium is a mineral that is found naturally in foods and is necessary for many normal functions of your body, especially the beating of your heart.
Potassium bicarbonate is used to prevent or to treat a potassium deficiency (hypokalemia).
Potassium bicarbonate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking potassium bicarbonate?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
- kidney disease;
-
stomach ulcer or an intestinal blockage; or
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use potassium bicarbonate, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether potassium bicarbonate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.How should I take potassium bicarbonate?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take potassium bicarbonate with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.Drop the effervescent tablets into a glass of water (at least 4 ounces, or one-half cup). Allow the tablets to dissolve completely and then drink this mixture right away. Do not save it for later use.
Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking potassium bicarbonate suddenly, your condition may become worse. Store potassium bicarbonate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you are more than 2 hours late in
taking your medicine, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.Overdose symptoms may include numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, uneven heart rate, paralysis, feeling like you might pass out, chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling, or seizure (convulsions).
What should I avoid while taking potassium bicarbonate?
Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking enalapril, unless your doctor has told you to.
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