Key facts about Potassium Chloride
What dosages is Potassium Chloride available in?
Potassium Chloride is available as a 600 mg (8 mEq) and 750 mg (10 mEq) extended-release tablet.
What is Potassium Chloride used for?
Potassium Chloride is a potassium supplement that is used for the prevention and treatment of low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia).
How does Potassium Chloride work?
Potassium Chloride is a potassium salt, or supplement, used to raise your blood potassium levels when they’re too low. Potassium is essential for heart, nerve, and muscle health as well as for other important processes in the body to work properly.
How do I take Potassium Chloride?
Potassium Chloride is typically given in dose ranges from 40 mEq to 100 mEq, split into 2 to 5 smaller doses and taken by mouth throughout the day. Your child’s provider will determine the dose based on your child’s body weight.
Is it safe for me to take Potassium Chloride?
Potassium Chloride is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you are taking triamterene and amiloride.
Potassium Chloride Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Potassium Chloride include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Passing gas
- Stomach pain or discomfort
- Diarrhea
Potassium Chloride Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Potassium Chloride. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Dangerously high potassium: tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps or pain, chest pain, unusual heartbeat, trouble breathing
- Injury to the stomach or intestines: vomiting, stomach pain, bloating, black-colored or tarry stools
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Potassium Chloride
The following medications may interact with Potassium Chloride:
- Triamterene and amiloride: Concomitant use is contraindicated
- Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors: Monitor for hyperkalemia
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Monitor for hyperkalemia
Who makes Potassium Chloride?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Potassium Chloride safe in pregnancy?
It is not known if Potassium Chloride will harm your unborn baby. You should talk to your healthcare provider before taking this medication if you are pregnant.
