POTASSIUM EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL

POTASSIUM EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (poe-TAS-ee-um)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Micro-K-10

GENERIC NAME(S): potassium chloride

Uses

USES: This medication is a mineral supplement used to treat or prevent low amounts of potassium in the blood. A normal level of potassium in the blood is important. Potassium helps your cells, kidneys, heart, muscles, and nerves work properly. Most people get enough potassium by eating a well-balanced diet. Some conditions that can lower your body's potassium level include severe prolonged diarrhea and vomiting, hormone problems such as hyperaldosteronism, or treatment with "water pills"/diuretics.


How to use POTASSIUM EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. To prevent stomach upset, take each dose with a meal and a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this medication. Do not crush, chew, or suck extended-release capsules or tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split extended-release tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing. Swallow the capsules whole. If you have trouble swallowing the capsules, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some brands may be opened and the contents sprinkled onto a spoonful of cool, soft food such as applesauce or pudding. Immediately swallow the food/medication mixture without chewing. Do not prepare the mixture ahead of time. Drink a glass of cool water after each dose to make sure you swallow all the medication. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about your brand. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed. Do not take more than 20 milliequivalents per dose. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if you have symptoms of low potassium in the blood (such as irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness/cramps).

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, gas, or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. An empty tablet or capsule shell may appear in your stool. This effect is harmless because your body has already absorbed the medication. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: difficult/painful swallowing, feeling as if the capsule/tablet is stuck in your throat. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: vomit that looks like coffee grounds, stomach/abdominal pain, black/tarry stools. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking potassium, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems, kidney problems, high levels of potassium in the blood. Due to rare reports of stomach/intestinal ulcers and bleeding with sustained-release potassium products, taking a liquid form of potassium is preferred. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have throat/stomach/intestinal problems such as blockage, narrowing, or ulcers. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Before using other potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Too much potassium may cause serious side effects. (See also Overdose section.) During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Potassium passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are regularly taking other drugs/products that can also raise your potassium level. Examples include eplerenone, ACE inhibitors such as enalapril/lisinopril, angiotensin receptor blockers such as losartan/valsartan, potassium-sparing "water pills"/diuretics such as spironolactone/triamterene, birth control pills that contain drospirenone, among others. Also, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take medications that can slow down the movement of potassium in your stomach or intestines, possibly increasing the risk of side effects (such as ulcers). Examples include atropine, scopolamine, some antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, antispasmodic drugs such as dicyclomine/hyoscyamine, bladder control drugs such as oxybutynin/tolterodine, certain drugs for Parkinson's disease such as benztropine/trihexyphenidyl, among others.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, confusion.

Images

POTASSIUM CL ER 8 MEQ TABLET

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yellow
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K-TAB
POTASSIUM CL ER 8 MEQ TABLET

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K-TAB
POTASSIUM CL ER 10 MEQ CAPSULE

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G, 357
POTASSIUM CL ER 10 MEQ CAPSULE

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orange
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oblong
imprint
G, 357

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Faq for POTASSIUM EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL

- Potassium extended-release oral medication is used to treat or prevent low potassium levels in the body, known as hypokalemia.

- This medication works by replenishing the levels of potassium in the body, which is essential for normal cell function, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction.

- Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. However, these side effects usually resolve on their own over time.

- It is usually taken with food or immediately after a meal to prevent stomach upset. It is important to swallow the tablets whole, without crushing or chewing them, as this can lead to an increased risk of side effects.

- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

- You should inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements, as certain medications can interact with potassium supplementation.

- This medication may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions like kidney disease, heart problems, or severe dehydration. It is important to discuss your medical history with your doctor before starting this medication.

- It is important to consult your doctor before using this medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it may have potential risks to the baby.

- The effects of potassium supplementation can vary among individuals. It may take several days to weeks for your potassium levels to return to normal. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and have regular blood tests to monitor your potassium levels.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.