• confusion;

• uneven heartbeat;

• unusual tiredness, weakness, heavy feeling in your legs;

• severe stomach pain cramping; or

• black, bloody, or tarry stools.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or upset stomach;

• a rash;

• slight tingling in the hands or feet; or

• anxiety.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect potassium bicarbonate?

The following drugs can interact with potassium bicarbonate. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these:

• digoxin (Lanoxin);

• an ACE inhibitor such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik);

• a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), sotalol (Betapace), timolol (Blocadren);

• a diuretic (water pill) such as amiloride (Midamor, Moduretic), chlorothiazide (Diuril, others), hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril, HCTZ, others), indapamide (Lozol), metolazone (Zaroxolyn), spironolactone (Aldactone, Aldactazide), or triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide);

• aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), diclofenac (Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis),, and others; or

• a steroid such as prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), hydrocortisone (Cortef, Hydrocortone), dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol), and others.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with potassium bicarbonate or affect your condition. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about potassium bicarbonate.

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.