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MINERALS OVERVIEW
With the exception of calcium and phosphorus, no other mineral is as abundant in the human body as potassium. Most people do not need to take supplements of this mineral because it is so widely available in foods such as bananas, orange juice, and potatoes.
This mineral is important for a healthy nervous system, kidneys, a regular heart rhythm, and a host of other body processes working properly. It helps prevent stroke, regulate blood pressure, and aids in proper muscle contraction, and works with sodium to control the body's water balance. Potassium's task is a formidable one, primarily because of its role as an electrolyte, a mineral that takes on a positive or negative charge when dissolved in the watery medium of body fluids. (Sodium and chloride are other important electrolytes.) The body needs to maintain these electrolytes in a delicate balance. Potassium is important for chemical reactions within the cells and aids in maintaining stable blood pressure and in transmitting electrochemical impulses. A 1997 review of earlier studies showed that low potassium intake might be a significant factor in the development of high blood pressure. Potassium also regulates the transfer of nutrients through cell membranes. This function of potassium has been shown to decrease with age, which may account for some of the circulatory damage, lethargy, and weakness experienced by older people. In addition, potassium aids in converting blood sugar (glucose, the body's foremost fuel), into glycogen, a form of energy that can be stored in the muscles and liver and released as needed. Together with magnesium, potassium can help prevent calcium-oxalate kidney stones.
Signs of potassium deficiency include abnormally dry skin, acne, chills, cognitive impairment, constipation, depression, diarrhea, diminished reflex function, edema, nervousness, insatiable thirst, fluctuations in heartbeat, glucose intolerance, growth impairment, high cholesterol levels, insomnia, low blood pressure, muscular fatigue and weakness, nausea and vomiting, periodic headaches, proteinuria (protein in the urine), respiratory distress, and salt retention.
SOURCES
Food sources of potassium include dairy foods, fish, fruit, legumes, meat, poultry, vegetables, and whole grains. High amounts are specifically found in apricots, avocados, bananas, blackstrap molasses, brewer's yeast, brown rice, dates, dulse, figs, dried fruit, garlic, nuts, potatoes, raisins, winter squash, torula yeast, wheat bran, yams and yogurt.
Herbs that contain potassium include catnip, hops, horsetail, nettle, plantain, red clover, sage, and skullcap.
COMMENTS
Kidney disorders, diarrhea, and the use of diuretics or laxatives all disrupt potassium levels. Tobacco and caffeine reduce potassium absorption. Large amounts of licorice over long periods can deplete the body's potassium supply.
Potassium is needed for hormone secretion. The secretion of stress hormones causes a decrease in the potassium-to-sodium ratio both inside and outside the cells. As a result, stress increases the body's potassium requirements.
HEALTH BENEFITS
A healthy intake of potassium through foods is valuable for general health and can even help to maintain normal blood pressure. In fact, a diet high in potassium-rich food may help to protect against heart disease and stroke, according to various studies. One study found that people with high blood pressure who had a daily serving of a potassium-rich foods decreased their risk of fatal stroke by 40%. Whether this effect was entirely due to the potassium is not entirely clear, however.
Research also indicates that an adequate level of potassium may have a role to play in regulating heartbeat, staving off heart-rhythm abnormalities, and preventing kidney stones.
SPECIFIC CONDITIONS POTASSIUM MAY HELP
REDUCE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: Scientists have long known that potassium helps maintain blood pressure. According to the latest studies, people who regularly consume high-potassium foods, such as bananas, avocados, and yogurt, have lower blood pressure than those who don't. For example, in a recent review of 33 studies that examined the effect of potassium on blood pressure, researchers discovered that participants who started out with normal blood pressure and then added 2,340 mg of potassium daily (from foods, supplements, or both) were able to lower their risk of developing high blood pressure by 25%. The reductions were ultimately greatest for people who already had high blood pressure.
A potassium-rich diet may even enable people with high blood pressure to slash their daily dose of prescription medication. In one study of 54 adults with high blood pressure, the majority (81%) of those who were placed on a high-potassium diet - they ate three to six servings of potassium-rich foods daily - were able to safely and dramatically reduce their dosage of high blood pressure medications within 12 months. In contrast, only 29% of those who continued with their normal diets were able to do so.
SUPPLEMENTAL FORMS
Potassium supplement may be found in these forms:
- Tablet (Regular, Extended Release, Effervescent).
- Capsule (Regular, Extended Release).
- Powder (For Solution, For Suspension, Extended Release).
- Liquid.
- Solution.
- Elixir.
- Granule.
Injectable potassium is administered only by or under the supervision of your health care provider. Some forms of oral potassium may be available in stores without a prescription. Since too much potassium may cause health problems, you should take potassium supplements only if directed by your health care provider.
DOSAGE INFORMATION
Most adults easily get an adequate and safe amount of potassium, about 5.6 grams, from foods every day. In fact, there is no RDA for potassium. By law, over-the-counter supplements cannot contain more than 99 mg of potassium per pill, a ruling that applies to multivitamin and mineral preparations as well. Higher doses are available only by prescription and are necessary only in very special situations, such as the use of diuretics that promote potassium loss.
If You Get Too Little: A seriously low level of potassium, a condition called hypokalemia, is an uncommon event but can occur in people who lose large amounts of fluid from severe diarrhea, sweating, or vomiting. Hypokalemia occurs most frequently among people who take diuretics, medications that promote urination and thus lessen the volume of fluid in the body. Although these drugs often help in regulating blood pressure, they also promote the excretion of potassium through the urine, posing the risk for very low potassium levels and related muscle cramps and fatigue.
Some rare endocrine disorders (Liddle's syndrome, Bartter's syndrome, Fanconi's syndrome) are also associated with hypokalemia. In the rare case of a severe potassium deficiency, muscle weakness, muscle twitching, paralysis, and abnormal heart rhythms may develop.
It's important to remember that in virtually all cases of short-term diarrhea, potassium imbalances are slight and temporary. The body corrects itself without the need for any additional supplementation. It's only when diarrhea is prolonged, or accompanied by dehydration, that problems with low potassium can cause real complications that may require professionally administered intravenous fluids (possibly including potassium, sodium, and other electrolytes). Such treatment typically corrects the imbalance in a few hours.
If You Get Too Much: Most people can safely absorb up to 18 g of potassium a day. In fact, potassium toxicity, a condition called hyperkalemia, is very unlikely to occur unless you take potassium supplements inappropriately or your kidneys don't function properly. That's because the kidneys carefully monitor the balance of potassium in the body and excrete any excess.
However, if your kidneys are malfunctioning for some reason and cannot properly process and eliminate potassium as a result, you may develop toxic levels of potassium in your bloodstream by taking supplements. Signs of too much potassium in your body include muscle fatigue and an irregular heartbeat (cardiac arrhythmia).
For high blood pressure: Consume potassium-rich foods daily. Because of the risk of toxicity, however, don't take potassium in supplement form without professional supervision.
To reduce the risk of stomach upset and nausea with potassium supplements that your health care provider has prescribed, always take them with food.
DIETARY SUPPLEMENT INSTRUCTIONS
If you are taking a dietary supplement without a prescription, carefully read and follow any precautions on the label. For these supplements, the following should be considered:
Allergies: Tell your health care provider if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to medicines in this group or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric: Although there is no specific information comparing use of potassium supplements in children with use in other age groups, they are not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than they do in adults.
Geriatric: Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of potassium supplements in the elderly with use in other age groups, they are not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than they do in younger adults. Older adults may be at a greater risk of developing high blood levels of potassium (hyperkalemia).
Pregnancy: Potassium supplements have not been shown to cause problems in humans.
Breastfeeding: Potassium supplements pass into breast milk. However, this medicine has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.
PROPER USE FOR PATIENTS TAKING THE LIQUID FORM:
- This medicine must be diluted in at least one-half glass (4 ounces) of cold water or juice to reduce its possible stomach-irritating or laxative effect.
- If you are on a salt (sodium)-restricted diet, check with your health care provider before using tomato juice to dilute your medicine. Tomato juice has a high salt content.
FOR PATIENTS TAKING THE SOLUBLE GRANULE, SOLUBLE POWDER/TABLET FORM:
- This medicine must be completely dissolved in at least one-half glass (4 ounces) of cold water or juice to reduce its possible stomach-irritating or laxative effect.
- Allow any "fizzing" to stop before taking the dissolved medicine.
- If you are on a salt (sodium)-restricted diet, check with your health care provider before using tomato juice to dilute your medicine. Tomato juice has a high salt content.
FOR PATIENTS TAKING THE EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLET FORM:
- Swallow the tablets whole with a full (8-ounce) glass of water. Do not chew or suck on the tablet.
- Some tablets may be broken or crushed and sprinkled on applesauce or other soft food. However, check with your health care provider or pharmacist first, since this should not be done for most tablets.
- If you have trouble swallowing tablets or if they seem to stick in your throat, check with your health care provider. When this medicine is not properly released, it can cause irritation that may lead to ulcers.
FOR PATIENTS TAKING THE EXTENDED-RELEASE CAPSULE FORM:
- Do not crush or chew the capsule. Swallow the capsule whole with a full (8-ounce) glass of water.
- Some capsules may be opened and the contents sprinkled on applesauce or other soft food. However, check with your health care provider or pharmacist first, since this should not be done for most capsules.
Take this medicine immediately after meals or with food to lessen possible stomach upset or laxative action.
Take this medicine only as directed by your health care provider. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your health care provider ordered. This is especially important if you are also taking both diuretics (water pills) and digitalis medicines for your heart.
DOSING
The dose medicines in this class will be different for different patients. Follow your health care provider's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your health care provider tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
FOR POTASSIUM BICARBONATE
For oral dosage forms (tablets for solution):
- To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
- Adults & Teenagers - 25 to 50 milliequivalents (mEq) dissolved in one-half to one glass of cold water, taken one or two times a day. Your health care provider may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
- Children - Dose must be determined by your health care provider.
FOR POTASSIUM BICARBONATE & POTASSIUM CHLORIDE
For oral dosage form (granules for solution):
- To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
- Adults & Teenagers - 20 milliequivalents (mEq) dissolved in one-half to one glass of cold water, taken one or two times a day. Your health care provider may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
- Children - Dose must be determined by your health care provider.
For oral dosage form (tablets for solution):
- To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
- Adults & Teenagers - 20, 25, or 50 mEq dissolved in one-half to one glass of cold water, taken one or two times a day. Your health care provider may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
- Children - Dose must be determined by your health care provider.
FOR POTASSIUM BICARBONATE & POTASSIUM CITRATE
For oral dosage form (tablets for solution):
- To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
- Adults & Teenagers - 25 or 50 milliequivalents (mEq) dissolved in one-half to one glass of cold water, taken one or two times a day. Your health care provider may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
- Children - Dose must be determined by your health care provider.
FOR POTASSIUM CHLORIDE
For long-acting oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):
- To replace potassium lost by the body:
- Adults & Teenagers - 40 to 100 milliequivalents (mEq) a day, divided into two or three smaller doses during the day. Your health care provider may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
- To prevent potassium loss:
- Adults & Teenagers - 16 to 24 mEq a day, divided into two or three smaller doses during the day. Your health care provider may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
- Children - Dose must be determined by your health care provider.
For long-acting oral dosage forms (liquid for solution):
- To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
- Adults & Teenagers - 20 mEq mixed into one-half glass of cold water or juice, taken one to four times a day. Your health care provider may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
- Children - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your health care provider. The usual dose is 1 to 3 mEq of potassium per kilogram (kg) (0.45 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should be well mixed in water or juice.
For oral dosage form (powder for solution):
- To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
- Adults & Teenagers - 15 to 25 mEq dissolved in four to six ounces of cold water, taken two or four times a day. Your health care provider may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
- Children - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your health care provider. The usual dose is 1 to 3 mEq per kg (0.45 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should be mixed into water or juice.
For oral dosage form (powder for suspension):
- To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
- Adults & Teenagers - 20 mEq dissolved in two to six ounces of cold water, taken one to five times a day. Your health care provider may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
- Children - Dose must be determined by your health care provider.
For long-acting oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
- To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
- Adults & Teenagers - 6.7 to 20 mEq taken three times a day. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
- Children - Dose must be determined by your health care provider.
For oral dosage form (liquid for solution):
- To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
- Adults & Teenagers - 20 milliequivalents (mEq) mixed into one-half glass of cold water or juice, taken two to four times a day. Your health care provider may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
- Children - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your health care provider. The usual dose is 2 to 3 mEq per kilogram (kg) (0.9 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight a day, taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should be completely mixed into water or juice.
For oral dosage form (tablets):
- To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
- Adults & Teenagers - 5 to 10 mEq taken two to four times a day. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
- Children - Dose must be determined by your health care provider.
FOR POTASSIUM GLUCONATE & POTASSIUM CHLORIDE
For oral dosage form (liquid for solution):
- To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
- Adults & Teenagers - 20 milliequivalents (mEq) diluted in 2 tablespoonfuls or more of cold water or juice, taken two to four times a day. Your health care provider may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
- Children - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your health care provider. The usual dose is 2 to 3 mEq per kilogram (kg) (0.9 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should be well mixed into water or juice.
For oral dosage form (powder for solution):
- To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
- Adults & Teenagers - 20 mEq mixed in 2 tablespoonfuls or more of cold water or juice taken two to four times a day. Your health care provider may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
- Children - Dose is base on body weight and must be determined by your health care provider. The usual dose is 2 to 3 mEq per kg (0.9 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should be well mixed into water or juice.
FOR POTASSIUM GLUCONATE & POTASSIUM CITRATE
For oral dosage form (liquid for solution):
- To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
- Adults & Teenagers - 20 milliequivalents (mEq) mixed into one-half glass of cold water or juice, taken two to four times a day. Your health care provider may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
- Children - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your health care provider. The usual dose is 2 to 3 mEq per kg (0.9 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should be well mixed into water or juice.
FOR TRIKATES
For oral dosage form (liquid for solution):
- To prevent potassium loss or replace potassium lost by the body:
- Adults & Teenagers - 15 milliequivalents (mEq) mixed into one-half glass of cold water or juice, taken three or four times a day. Your health care provider may change the dose if needed. However, most people will not take more than 100 mEq a day.
- Children - Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your health care provider. The usual dose is 2 to 3 mEq per kilogram (kg) (0.9 to 1.36 mEq per pound) of body weight taken in smaller doses during the day. The solution should be well mixed into water or juice.
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double dose your medications.
Milliequivalents & Molecular Weights
Milliequivalents: The term milliequivalents (mEq) is usually used to express the quantities of electrolytes administered to patients. A mEq is 1/1000 of an equivalent (Eq). For pharmaceutical purposes an equivalent may be thought of as equal to the equivalent weight of a given substance. This, in practical terms, is the molecular weight of the substance divided by the valence or the radical. For example:
How many milligrams are equivalent to 1 mEq of potassium chloride (KCl)?1. Determine the equivalent weight = gram atomic weight ÷ valence
Molecular weight of KCl = 74.5
Valence = 1 (K+; Cl-)
Equivalent weight = 74.5 ÷ 1 = 74.5 grams
2. Determine the mEq weightEquivalent weight ÷ 1000
74.5 ÷ 1000 = 74.5 mg = 1 mEq of KCl = 1 mEq of K+ & 1 mEq of Cl-
If the substance would have been CaCl2, the process would be identical using the gram molecular weight of CaCl2 (MW 111 if anhydrous; 147 if dihydrate) and a valence of 2.
Listed below are several commonly used electrolytes with their molecular weights and valences in parentheses:
Sodium Chloride
Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium Acetate
anhydrous
trihydrate
Sodium Lactate
Potassium Chloride
Potassium Gluconate
Calcium Gluconate
Calcium Lactate (anhydrous)
Calcium Chloride
anhydrous
dihydrate
Magnesium Sulfate
heptahydrate
anhydrous
Magnesium Chloride
anhydrous
hexahydrate58.44 (1)
84 (1)
82 (1)
136 (1)
112 (1)
74.55 (1)
234.25 (1)
430.4 (2)
218.22 (2)
111 (2)
147 (2)
246.5 (2)
120.4 (2)
95.21 (2)
203.3 (2)
STORAGE
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
GENERAL INTERACTION
Definitely avoid potassium supplements if you take drugs known as potassium-sparing diuretics (amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), beta-blockers, or an ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure or angina. Always consult a health care provider under such circumstances, because combining any of these drugs with potassium can lead to hyperkalemia.
Because of the risk of various complications, consult your health care provider before combining a digitalis drug (cardiac glycoside) with supplemental potassium.
Corticosteroids, loop diuretics (such as bumetanide and furosemide), and thiazide diuretics (including hydrochlorothiazide and indapamide) all can lower the level of potassium in the body. Potassium supplementation may be required but should always be undertaken with medical supervision.
POTASSIUM & DRUG INTERACTIONS
Acebutolol Hydrochloride: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Amiloride Hydrochloride: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Atenolol: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Atenolol/Chlorthalidone: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Benazepril Hydrochloride: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Betaxolol Oral: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Bisoprolol Fumarate: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Bisoprolol Fumarate/Hydrochlorothiazide: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Captopril: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Carteolol Hydrochloride Oral: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Carvedilol: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Chlorothiazide: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Chlorthalidone: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Digitoxin: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Digoxin: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Enalapril Maleate: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Enalapril Maleate/Diltiazem Malate: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Enalapril Maleate/Felodipine: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Enalapril/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ): Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Fosinopril Sodium: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ): Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Hydrochlorothiazide/Triamterene: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Indapamide: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Labetalol Hydrochloride: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Levobunolol: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Lisinopril: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Lisinopril/Hydrochlorothiazide: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Metolazone: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Metoprolol: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Moexipril Hydrochloride: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Moexipril Hydrochloride/Hydrochlorothiazide: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Nadolol: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Penbutolol Sulfate: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Pindolol: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Propranolol Hydrochloride: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Propranolol/Hydrochlorothiazide: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Quinapril Hydrochloride: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Ramipril: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Sotalol Hydrochloride: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Spironolactone: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Spironolactone/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ): Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Timolol Maleate Oral: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Trandolapril: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Trandolapril/Verapamil Hydrochloride: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Triamterene: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide: Do not take together. When taken together, the risk of hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) may increase, and lead to serious side effects.
Drug Interactions
Using dietary supplements in this class with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your health care provider may decide not to treat you with dietary supplements in this class or change some of the other medicines you take.
Amantadine
Atropine
Belladonna
Belladonna Alkaloids
Benztropine
Biperiden
Clidinium
Dicyclomine
Glycopyrrolate
Hyoscyamine
Methscopolamine
Oxybutynin
Procyclidine
Scopolamine
Solifenacin
Tolterodine
Trihexyphenidyl
Using dietary supplements in this class with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your health care provider may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Alacepril
Amiloride
Benazepril
Canrenoate
Captopril
Cilazapril
Delapril
Enalaprilat
Enalapril Maleate
Fosinopril
Imidapril
Indomethacin
Lisinopril
Moexipril
Pentopril
Perindopril
Quinapril
Ramipril
Spirapril
Spironolactone
Temocapril
Trandolapril
Triamterene
Zofenopril
OTHER INTERACTIONS
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your health care provider the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
OTHER MEDICAL PROBLEMS
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of dietary supplements in this class. Make sure you tell your health care provider if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Addison's disease (underactive adrenal glands).
- Dehydration (excessive loss of body water, continuing or severe).
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- Kidney disease - Potassium supplements may increase the risk of hyperkalemia (high blood levels of potassium), which may worsen or cause heart problems in patients with these conditions.
- Diarrhea (continuing or severe) - The loss of fluid in combination with potassium supplements may cause kidney problems, which may increase the risk of hyperkalemia (high blood levels of potassium).
- Heart disease - Potassium supplements may make this condition worse.
- Intestinal or esophageal blockage - Potassium supplements may damage the intestines.
- Stomach ulcer - Potassium supplements may make this condition worse.
CAUTIONS
If you take a medication to control high blood pressure or heart disease, or if you have a kidney disorder, never take potassium supplements without medical supervision. Consuming potassium-rich foods is fine, however.
FOLLOW-UP
Your health care provider should check your progress at regular visits to make sure the medicine is working properly and that possible side effects are avoided. Laboratory tests may be necessary.
Do not use salt substitutes, eat low-sodium foods, especially some breads and canned foods, or drink low-sodium milk unless you are told to do so by your health care provider, since these products may contain potassium. It is important to read the labels carefully on all low-sodium food products.
Check with your health care provider before starting any physical exercise program, especially if you are out of condition and are taking any other medicine. Exercise and certain medicines may increase the amount of potassium in the blood.
Check with your health care provider at once if you notice blackish stools or other signs of stomach or intestinal bleeding. This medicine may cause such a condition to become worse, especially when taken in tablet form.
SIDE EFFECTS
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Stop taking this medicine and check with your health care provider immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common:
- Confusion.
- Irregular or slow heartbeat.
- Numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips.
- Shortness of breath or difficult breathing.
- Unexplained anxiety.
- Unusual tiredness or weakness.
- Weakness or heaviness of legs.
Check with your health care provider as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare:
- Abdominal or stomach pain, cramping, or soreness (continuing).
- Chest or throat pain, especially when swallowing.
- Stools with signs of blood (red or black color).
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care provider if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common:
- Diarrhea.
- Nausea.
- Stomach pain, discomfort, or gas (mild).
- Vomiting.
Sometimes you may see what appears to be a whole tablet in the stool after taking certain extended-release potassium chloride tablets. This is to be expected. Your body has absorbed the potassium from the tablet and the shell is then expelled.
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your health care professional.
POTASSIUM SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Potassium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 340 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.
WaterOz Ionic Potassium is a pure liquid Potassium supplement. Potassium aids rheumatic or arthritic conditions and is vital for the elimination of wastes.
Potassium Plus Iodine (Potassium Iodide), NOW Foods, 180 Tabs
Potassium Iodide (KI) is a compound that contains Iodine, a nutrient necessary for normal thyroid function. Iodine in the form of Iodide is an integral part of thyroid hormones, which regulate cellular metabolism and energy production.
Potassium Chelate, 100% natural, Nature's Way, 99 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Potassium Chelate is 100% natural for superior absorption. Potassium is a key nutrient in maintaining the electrolyte balance which regulates heart and muscle contraction.
Electrolyte Stamina Power Pak, Lemon Lime, Trace Minerals, 32 Packs, 0.23 oz/Pack
Electrolyte Stamina Power Pak is an easy-to-fix high performance energy electrolyte drink with no caffeine, artificial stimulants or artificial ingredients.
Electrolyte Stamina Power Pak, Orange, Trace Minerals, 32 Packs, 0.23 oz/Pack
Electrolyte Stamina Power Pak is an easy-to-fix high performance energy electrolyte drink with no caffeine, artificial stimulants or artificial ingredients.
Electrolyte Concentrate, Elete, Trace Minerals, 4 fl. oz.
Elete is a perfectly balanced pure electrolyte concentrate that contains important electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, chloride, and sulfate.
40,000 Volts Electrolyte Concentrate, Trace Minerals, 8 fl. oz.
40,000 Volts Electrolyte Concentrate is a Dietary Supplement, the Only Liquid Electrolyte Made with Concentrace® Ionic.
Alka Max, Natural Antacid & Alkaline Booster, 200 g Powder
Natural Antacid for digestion and entire body.
FOR MORE PRODUCTS & INFORMATION CLICK ON THESE LINKS:
Herbal Remedies: Potassium Supplements & Products
Herbal Remedies: Potassium / Potassium Iodide Information
MoonDragon's Health Information: Nutrition Basics - Minerals Index
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Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
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