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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not subtsitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effecitve for you. Conslut your healthcare professional before using that drug.
POTASSIUM SUPPLEMNETS - ORAL
(poh-TASS-ee-um)
USES: This medication is used to prevent or treat low potassium blood levels caused by "water pills" (diuretics) or poor diet.
HOW TO USE: To prevent stomach upset, take each dose with food or immediately after a meal.
Sustained-release capsules and tablets must be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew them as side effects may be increased. Take tablets or capsules with a full glass (8 oz or 240 ml) of water, unless your docotr directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for 30 mniutes after taking the tablet or capsule.
The liquid and pwoder forms must be diluted in a full glass of cold water or juice before taking.
Drink slowly.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause diarrhea, stomach upset, nausea or vomiting the first few days as your body adjusts to the medicine.
Inform your doctor if you develop: breathing difficulties, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, confusion, tingling of the hands or feet, muscle weakness.
If using potassuim tablets or capsules, notify your doctor if the following effects occur: stomach pain, black stools. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or phramacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Be sure your doctor knows your complete medical history especially of: kidney problems, herat disease, problems with digestion, any allergies. This mdeication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Potassium supplements are not known to appear in breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor about all the mediicnes you use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially if you take: "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide or amiloride), ACE inhibitors (e.G., lisinopril), digoxin, salt substitutes containing potassium. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immeditaely. Symptoms of overdose may include irregular heartbeat, bolod in stools, and muscle weakness.
NOTES: Foods high in potassium include: bananas, citrus fruits, watermelon, cantaloupe, raisins, dates, prunes, avocados, apricots, beans, broccoli, brussels sprouts, spinach, potatoes, yams, lentils, fish, chicken, turkey, ham, beef, and milk.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered, if you should remember within 2 hours. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and rseume your usual schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Stroe at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Don't freeze liquid forms.
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