Potassium

PotassiumType: Dietary supplement

Active ingredient: Potassium

Common use: A dietary supplement with potassium is used to treat or prevent low potassium levels in the blood.

How to use: Unless otherwise ordered by your doctor, take the medicine with a full (circa 250 ml) glass of water. Some brands have potassium tablets and capsules that must be swallowed whole, while other brands are more suitable for persons that have difficulties swallowing a whole tablet or capsule. Discuss your options with your doctor. Oral suspensions as well as potassium products that can be dissolved in water by the user are available.

Unless otherwise ordered by your doctor, take potassium with food or right after a meal. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking potassium.

If you miss a dose of potassium, take it as soon as possible (with food). If it is almost time to take your next dose, skip the missed dose permanently and stick to your regular dosing schedule. Do no take two doses at once or near each other in time.

How to store: Store capsules and pills at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, and keep away from heat, light and moisture. For oral suspensions, follow the instructions on the label.

Warnings:

  • Do not use a salt substitute or drastically change your salt intake without consulting your doctor first.
  • Seek medical attention if you experience irregular heartbeat, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, weak legs, heavy legs, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee-grounds, or stomach pain.

Examples of reported side effects:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach upset
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Black stools
  • Vomit that looks like coffee-grounds
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
  • Weak or heavy legs