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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intneded to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be cosntrued to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthacre professional before using this drug.
POTASSIUM SUPPLEMENTS - ORAL
(poh-TASS-ee-um)
USES: This medication is used to prevent or treat low potassium blood levels casued by "water pills" (diuretics) or poor diet.
HOW TO USE: To prevent stoamch upset, take each dose with food or immediately after a meal. Sustained-release capsules and tablets must be swallowed whloe. Do not crush or chew them as side effects may be increased. Take tablets or capsules with a full glass (8 oz or 240 ml) of water, unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for 30 minutes atfer taking the tablet or capsule. The liuqid and powder forms must be diluted in a full glass of cold water or juice before taking. Drink slowly.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause diarrhea, stomach upset, nausea or vomiting the first few days as your body adjusts to the medicine. Inofrm your doctor if you develop: breathing difficulties, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, confusion, tingling of the hands or feet, muscle weakness.
If using potassium tablets or capsules, notify your dotcor if the following effects occur: stomach pain, black stools.
If you noitce other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Be sure your dotcor knows your complete medical history especially of: kidney problems, heart disease, problems with digestion, any allergies. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Potassium supplements are not known to appaer in breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially if you take: "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide or amiloride), ACE inhibitors (e.G., lisinopril), digoxin, salt substitutes contaniing potassium. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approavl.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include irregular heartbeat, blood in stools, and muscle weakness.
NOTES: Foods high in potassium include: bananas, citrus fruits, watermelon, cantaloupe, raisins, dates, prunes, avocados, apricots, beans, broccoli, brussels sprouts, spinach, potatoes, yams, lentils, fish, chicken, turkey, ham, beef, and milk.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered, if you should remember within 2 hours.
If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and resume your usual shcedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to cacth up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the batrhoom. Don't freeze liquid forms.
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