What is this medicine?
POTASSIUM (poe TASS i um) is a natural salt that is important for the heart, muscles, and nerves. It is found in many foods and is normally supplied by a well balanced diet. This medicine is used to treat low potassium.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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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
- black, tarry stools
- heartburn
- irregular heartbeat
- numbness or tingling in hands or feet
- pain when swallowing
- unusually weak or tired
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 gas
- 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.
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How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with food. Do not suck on, crush, or chew this medicine. If you have difficulty swallowing, ask the pharmacist how to take. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Talk to your pediatrician 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.
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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.
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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:
- medicines for blood pressure or heart disease like lisinopril, losartan, quinapril, valsartan
- medicines for cold or allergies
- medicines for inflammation like ibuprofen, indomethacin
- medicines for Parkinson's disease
- medicines for the stomach like metoclopramide, dicyclomine, glycopyrrolate
- 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.
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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.
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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 salts, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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