Sometimes the doctor who sees us says, "Your blood potassium level is a little low, let's start a medication for that." One of the most common medications we get at such times is potassium tablets. When you see this, you might be wondering, "What is this? What will happen to it? What should you be careful about when using it?" So don't be afraid, today we will talk about everything very simply and in a friendly way.
Why is potassium so important for our bodies?
Simply put, potassium is a mineral that is essential to almost every cell in our body. It's like oil in a car. Potassium helps many important processes in our body to run smoothly.
- Heart health: Potassium is essential for maintaining the proper rhythm of the heart.
- Muscle function: Our muscles need potassium to contract and function properly.
- Nervous system: This also helps to carry signals through the nerves.
- Kidney health: Potassium helps the kidneys maintain the balance of fluids and salts in the body.
So when your potassium level drops, the doctor prescribes you these potassium chloride tablets to bring it back to normal.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before you start taking this medicine, you should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions, as you should be very careful when using this medicine with these conditions.
| Your medical condition or condition | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Kidney disease | Excess potassium is removed from the body 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 function. |
| Diabetes | In some diabetic conditions, special attention should be paid to potassium levels. |
| Stomach/Intestine ulcers or difficulty swallowing | These pills can aggravate or cause new ulcers in the stomach or intestines. |
| Addison's disease | People with this condition are at risk of elevated potassium levels. |
| Dehydration or major burns | Because in such cases, the body's salt balance changes. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | It is imperative to inform your doctor about these situations before taking any medication. |
| If you have allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | Your doctor should be aware of any allergies you may have. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
This is also very important. Follow these instructions to get the most out of the medicine and minimize side effects.
- Take with food: Always take this pill with or immediately after a meal . Do not take it on an empty stomach. Doing so can greatly reduce the risk of stomach discomfort.
- Drink with plenty of water: Use a full glass of water to swallow the pill.
- Swallow, don't chew!: This is the most important thing. Do not break, crush, chew, or suck on this pill. Swallow the pill whole. This is because these are designed to release the medicine slowly over several hours. These are called extended-release pills. If we break them, the medicine can enter the body all at once and cause side effects.
- If you have difficulty swallowing: If you have difficulty swallowing the pill, talk to your doctor about it. They will give you another option.
- If you miss a dose: If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, 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.
- Overdose: If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Another important thing: You may notice that the waxy coating (tablet shell/wax matrix) of this pill has come out with your stool. Don't worry about it. This is normal. The medicine has been absorbed into your body, and all that remains is the coating.
Other medications and foods that may interact with potassium pills
Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, as well as any vitamins or herbal products you use, as some medications can interact with these potassium pills.
Do not take potassium with this medication.
If you are taking any of the following medications, avoid taking potassium pills without your doctor's specific advice, as these can dangerously increase the body's potassium levels.
- Some types of diuretics - e.g. Spironolactone, Triamterene
- Eplerenone
- Sodium polystyrene sulfonate
Be careful with these things too.
Follow your doctor's instructions when taking potassium tablets with the following medications and substances.
- Some high blood pressure medications - e.g. ACE inhibitors or ARBs such as Lisinopril, Losartan, Valsartan.
- Painkillers (NSAIDs) - e.g. Ibuprofen, Naproxen
- Other potassium supplements
- Salt substitutes: Salt substitutes, which many people use instead of salt, are high in potassium. Therefore, using them while taking this medication can unnecessarily increase the potassium level in the body. Therefore , do not use them without consulting your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of taking the medicine?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Most people don't experience them. However, it's important to be aware of these.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Bleeding in the stomach or intestines | Black tarry stools , brown vomit, like coffee grounds. Seek medical advice immediately. |
| High potassium levels (Hyperkalemia) | Muscle weakness, irregular or rapid heartbeat, chest pain. |
| Allergic Reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Sore throat/throat | Pain when swallowing, sore throat, chest pain, nausea. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but are bothersome, should be reported to the doctor. | |
| Stomach ache | Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, gas, diarrhea. |
Take-Home Message
- Always take this potassium pill with or immediately after a meal.
- Swallow the tablet whole . Do not break, crush, or chew it.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- Do not use salt substitutes without consulting your doctor.
- If you have black, tarry stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not stop taking the medication unless your doctor tells you to. Get your blood tests done on time.
- Keep the medicine out of the reach of children and pets, at room temperature.
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