Your doctor may have prescribed this medication because you have low potassium levels. Simply put, potassium is a mineral that is essential for the proper functioning of our kidneys, heart, muscles, and nervous system. This medication works by restoring the body's low potassium levels and preventing them from getting too low.
What are the things I need to tell the doctor before taking this medicine?
It is very important that the doctor treating you is fully aware of your health condition. Therefore, before giving you this medicine, be sure to tell him/her if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Health condition or problem | Why is it important to inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Kidney disease | The body's potassium levels are controlled by the kidneys. If there is a problem with the kidneys, potassium levels can become dangerously high. |
| Heart disease or irregular heartbeat | Changes in potassium levels directly affect heart rate. |
| Having already high blood potassium levels | In such a situation, taking this medication can further increase potassium levels and become life-threatening. |
| Diabetes | Some diabetic conditions and medications can affect potassium levels. |
| Addison's disease | This condition can cause potassium levels in the body to increase. |
| Stomach ulcers or difficulty swallowing | This type of pill carries a risk of getting stuck in the digestive tract or causing injury. |
| Dehydration or major burns | In such cases, the balance of mineral salts in the body changes. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | It is very important to inform your doctor about this before taking any medication. |
| If you have an allergy to other medicines, foods or substances | It is important to tell the doctor about previous experiences. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
This is something you need to follow exactly, because to get the full results from the medicine, you need to use it correctly.
- Take with a glass of water: Always take this pill with a full glass of water.
- Take with food: Do not take this medicine on an empty stomach. Take this pill with a meal or immediately after a meal . This will greatly reduce the risk of stomach upset.
- Do not break, crush, or chew the pill: This is very important. This type of pill is designed to release the medicine slowly into the body (Extended-Release). If you break, crush, or chew the pill, all the medicine can be absorbed into the body at once and cause dangerous side effects. So swallow the pill whole.
- If you have difficulty swallowing: This pill may be a bit large, so you may have difficulty swallowing it. If you have difficulty swallowing, talk to your doctor. He or she may be able to recommend another option.
- Take it at the right time: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day, as your doctor has told you.
- Don't stop taking your medication until your doctor tells you to: Even if you feel better, don't stop taking your medication until your doctor tells you to.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital.Give me a phone call. This is a medicine given only to you. Never share it with others.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once or take a double dose.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, as some medications can react with these potassium pills and cause problems.
The most important thing is to tell your doctor if you are starting any new medication. Also, tell them about any vitamin supplements or traditional medicines you are taking.
Be especially careful with the medications listed below.
| Medicines that should not be taken together with this medicine | |
|---|---|
| Drug category | Examples |
| Certain diuretics that prevent the body from losing potassium (Potassium-sparing diuretics) | Spironolactone, Triamterene |
| Eplerenone | This is a medicine for high blood pressure and heart disease. |
| Sodium polystyrene sulfonate | This is a medicine given to reduce potassium levels in the body. |
| Medications that can cause problems and should only be taken under the advice of a doctor | |
| Certain high blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors, ARBs) | Lisinopril, Losartan, Quinapril, Valsartan |
| Immune-suppressing drugs | Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus |
| Painkillers (NSAIDs) | Ibuprofen, Naproxen |
| Other potassium supplements | Anything else that contains potassium. |
| Salt substitutes | Many salt substitutes contain potassium chloride. |
Things to be careful about while taking the medicine
- Regular tests: Your doctor may order blood tests to check your potassium levels. Don't skip these tests and get them done regularly.
- Avoid salt substitutes: Salt substitutes, which are often used in place of table salt, contain potassium. Therefore, do not use these without consulting your doctor.
- Diet: Your doctor may advise you to follow a specific diet. Ask about it carefully.
- Tablet shell in stool: The waxy coating on this medication does not dissolve. So you may see a portion of the tablet come out with your stool. Don't be alarmed if you see this. It's normal. The medicine has been absorbed into your body.
- Warning signs: If your poop is tarry black or you vomit something that looks like coffee grounds , it could be a sign of stomach bleeding. If this happens , see a doctor immediately.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| High potassium level in the blood | Muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat. |
| Stomach or intestinal bleeding | Vomiting blood or coffee grounds-like material, and passing black or tarry stools. |
| Bowel blockage | Stomach pain, inability to defecate or pass air, loss of appetite, vomiting. |
| Esophageal ulcer | Loss of appetite, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, nausea, vomiting. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, gas, diarrhea. |
How do you store medicine?
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius).
- Protect from light and moisture.
- Keep the bottle cap tightly closed.
- Throw away expired medicine.
This information sheet is only a summary. If you have any further questions about this medicine, please feel free to discuss them with your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Always take potassium chloride tablets with a meal or after a meal with a large glass of water.
- Never break, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow it whole.
- Be aware of warning signs such as black tarry stools, vomiting that looks like coffee grounds, severe muscle weakness, or a change in heart rate.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications and salt substitutes you are taking.
- Avoid starting or stopping medication without your doctor's advice.
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