Potassium Chloride Oral Solution

Indications

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.

Use and Dosage

To prevent stomach upset, you must first mix your dose of potassium with a glass (4 to 8 ounces/120 to 240 milliliters) of cold water or juice as directed by your doctor. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. After mixing, slowly drink the entire mixture. Take each dose after a meal. If you have an upset stomach, mixing your dose in a larger amount of liquid may help. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

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.

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

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to potassium chloride: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• Severe throat irritation
• Stomach bloating, severe vomiting, severe stomach pain
• High potassium level – nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, or loss of movement
• Signs of stomach bleeding – bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

Common potassium chloride side effects may include:

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Gas or stomach pain
• The appearance of a potassium chloride tablet in your stool

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

Cautions

• 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, and throat/stomach/intestinal problems (such as blockage, narrowing, ulcers).
• Liquid products may contain alcohol, sugar, or aspartame. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, liver disease, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet.
• 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 the Overdose section.)
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
• Potassium passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Forms and Strengths

Potassium Chloride Oral Solution is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Potassium Chloride Oral Solution Liquid:
  • 20meq/15mL

FAQ

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention. Overdose symptoms may include irregular heartbeats, chest pain, or muscle weakness.

What to avoid?

Avoid taking supplements or using other products that contain potassium without first asking your doctor. Salt substitutes or low-salt dietary products often contain potassium. If you take certain products together you may accidentally get too much potassium. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains potassium.

Resources:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557785/
2. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-676-650/potassium-chloride-oral/potassium-solution-powder-for-solution-oral/details
3. https://www.drugs.com/potassium_chloride.html#side-effects