$Unique_ID{BRK03296}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{potassium chloride}
$Subject{Cena-K Century Kaochlor Adria Kaon Adria Kato ICN  Kay Kay Ciel
Forest K-Dur Key K-Lor Abbott Klorvess Sandoz Klotrix Mead Johnson K-Lyte/Cl
Kolyum Pennwalt K-Tab Micro-K Robins Extencaps Potachlor Bay Labs Potasalan
Lannett Rum-K Fleming Slow-K Ciba Potassium replacement potassium chloride
potassium deficiency diuretics water pills}
$Volume{}
$Log{
K-Tab*0329601.scf
Micro-K Extencaps*0329602.scf
Slow-K*0329603.scf}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


potassium chloride
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)

     Cena-K (Century)
     Kaochlor (Adria)
     Kaon (Adria)
     Kato (ICN)
     Kay Ciel (Forest)
     K-Dur (Key)
     K-Lor (Abbott)
     Klorvess (Sandoz)
     Klotrix (Mead Johnson)
     K-Lyte/Cl (Mead Johnson)
     Kolyum (Pennwalt)
     K-Tab (Abbott)
     Micro-K (Robins)
     Micro-K Extencaps (Robins)
     Potachlor (Bay Labs)
     Potasalan (Lannett)
     potassium chloride (various manufacturers)
     Rum-K (Fleming)
     Slow-K (Ciba)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Potassium replacement

INGREDIENT

     potassium chloride

DOSAGE FORMS

     Effervescent tablets (20 mEq, 25 mEq, and 50 mEq)
     Sustained-release tablets (6.7 mEq, 8 mEq, 10 mEq, and 20 mEq)
     Enteric-coated tablets (4 mEq and 13 mEq)
     Sustained-release capsules (8 mEq and 10 mEq)
     Oral liquid (10 mEq, 15 mEq, 20 mEq, 30 mEq, and 40 mEq per 15-ml
spoonful, with alcohol varying from 0% to 5%)
     Oral powder (15 mEq, 20 mEq, and 25 mEq per packet)

STORAGE

     Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

USES

     This medication is used to prevent or treat potassium deficiency,
especially potassium deficiency that is caused by the use of diuretics (water
pills).

TREATMENT

     To avoid stomach irritation, take this drug with food or immediately
after a meal.  Take it at the same time(s) each day.
     Each dose of the liquid form of this medication should be measured
carefully with a specially designed measuring spoon.  An ordinary teaspoon is
not accurate enough.
     If you are taking the liquid, powder, or effervescent tablet form dilute
each dose in at least four ounces (1/2 cup) of cold water or juice.  Be sure
the medication has dissolved completely and has stopped fizzing before you
drink it.  Then sip it slowly.  DO NOT use tomato juice to dissolve this
medication (unless your doctor directs you to do so).  Tomato juice contains a
great deal of sodium.
     The sustained-release tablets and capsules should be swallowed whole.
Chewing, crushing, or breaking these tablets or capsules destroys their
sustained-release activity and possibly increases the side effects.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is within two hours of the next scheduled dose.  In that
case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing
schedule.  Do not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Diarrhea, nausea, stomach pains, or vomiting.  These should disappear as
your body adjusts to the medicine.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
anxiety; bloody or black, tarry stools; confusion; difficulty in breathing;
numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, or feet; palpitations; severe
abdominal pain; or unusual weakness.

INTERACTIONS

     This drug interacts with several other types of drugs:
     1. The combination of potassium chloride with amiloride, spironolactone,
or triamterene can lead to hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium in the
bloodstream).
     2. The combination of digoxin and high doses of potassium chloride can
lead to heart problems.
     Before starting to take potassium chloride, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR
about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to potassium.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had Addison's disease, dehydration, heart
disease, heat cramps, hyperkalemia, intestinal blockage, kidney disease,
myotonia congenita, or peptic ulcers.
     * Ask your doctor about using a salt substitute instead of potassium
chloride; salt substitutes are similar, but less expensive and more
convenient.  However, salt substitutes should only be used with your doctor's
approval.  Too much potassium can be dangerous.
     * If you are taking the sustained-release tablets and you find something
that looks like a tablet in your stool, there is no reason for concern.  The
drug is contained in a wax core that is designed to release the medication
slowly.  This wax core is eliminated in the stool.
     * Some of these products contain the color additive FD&C Yellow No. 5
(tartrazine), which can cause allergic-type reactions (rash, shortness of
breath, or fainting) in certain susceptible individuals.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although this drug
appears to be safe, extensive studies in pregnant women have not been
conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.