You should not use potassium chloride if you have high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia), or if you also take a "potassium-sparing" diuretic.
To be sure potassium chloride is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested often. Your heart rate may also be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG) to measure electrical activity of the heart. This test will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with potassium. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Serious side effects of potassium include uneven heartbeat, muscle weakness or limp feeling, severe stomach pain, and numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or mouth.
Do not stop taking this medicine without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking this medicine suddenly, your condition may become worse.
Do not crush, chew, break, or suck on an extended-release tablet or capsule. Swallow the pill whole. Breaking or crushing the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Sucking on a tablet can irritate your mouth or throat. Take potassium chloride with food or just after a meal.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use potassium chloride if you are allergic to it, or if:
you have high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia); or
you take a "potassium-sparing" diuretic (water pill) such as amiloride, spironolactone, or triamterene.
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
kidney disease;
cirrhosis or other liver disease;
an adrenal gland disorder;
a large tissue injury such as a severe burn;
severe dehydration;
diabetes;
heart disease or high blood pressure;
stomach or intestinal bleeding;
a blockage in your stomach or intestines; or
chronic diarrhea (such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease).
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
