Drug Status in USA : Approved
Drug Status in Canada : Approved

pronunciation

pronounced as (poe tass' i um)

Why is this medication prescribed?

Potassium is essential for the proper functioning of the heart, kidneys, muscles, nerves, and digestive system. Usually the food you eat supplies all of the potassium you need. However, certain diseases (e.g., kidney disease and gastrointestinal disease with vomiting and diarrhea) and drugs, especially diuretics ('water pills'), remove potassium from the body. Potassium supplements are taken to replace potassium losses and prevent potassium deficiency.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.


How should this medicine be used?

Potassium comes in oral liquid, powder, granules, effervescent tablets, regular tablets, extended-release (long-acting) tablets, and extended-release capsules. It usually is taken two to four times a day, with or immediately after meals. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take potassium exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Take all forms of potassium with a full glass of water or fruit juice.

Add the liquid to water. Dissolve the powder, granules, or effervescent tablets in cold water or fruit juice according to the manufacturer's directions or the directions on your prescription label; mix the drug well just before you take it. Cold liquids help mask the unpleasant taste.

Swallow extended-release tablets and capsules whole. Do not chew them or dissolve them in your mouth.


What are the precautions to be followed?

Before taking potassium,
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to potassium or any other drugs.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec),and lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril); diuretics ('water pills'); and vitamins. Do not take potassium if you are taking amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), or triamterene (Dyrenium).
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, kidney, or Addison's (adrenal gland) disease.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking potassium, call your doctor.
  • if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking potassium.

What are possible side effects of this medication ?

Potassium may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
  • upset stomach
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
  • mental confusion
  • listlessness
  • tingling, prickling, burning, tight, or pulling sensation of arms, hands, legs, or feet
  • heaviness or weakness of legs
  • cold, pale, gray skin
  • stomach pain
  • unusual stomach bulging
  • black stools


How to store the medication and dispose it of after its use later?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program.


Drug Category/Class

  • Blood and Blood Forming Organs
  • i.v. Solution Additives
  • Blood Substitutes and Perfusion Solutions
  • High-Ceiling Diuretics
  • Low-Ceiling Diuretics, Excl. Thiazides
  • Electrolyte Solutions
  • Diuretics
  • Low-Ceiling Diuretics, Thiazides
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Electrolyte solutions
  • Thiazides and potassium in combination
  • Sulfonamides and potassium in combination
Prescribed Potassium is used to regulate hypokalemia as a primary condition or secondary to other medical conditions.
Weight :Not
Structure Potassium
Generic Drug Potassium prescribed Potassium is used to regulate hypokalemia as a primary condition or secondary to other medical conditions.
Formula

Available

Potassium has 0 Brands listed


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