Brand Name(s): Effer-K, Effervescent Potassium, Gen-K Powder, K+ Care, K-Lor Powder, K-Lyte, K-Lyte/Cl, Kay Ciel Powder, Klor-Con/EF, Klorvess

Generic Name Potassium Chloride Effervescent

What are potassium effervescent tablets or powder?

POTASSIUM (Klorvess^®, K-Lyte/Cl^®, Effer-K^®, Micro-K^®, K-Lor^®) is a naturally occurring salt that is important for the normal functioning of the heart, muscles, and nerves. Too much or too little potassium in the body can cause serious problems. Potassium occurs naturally in many foods and is normally supplied by a balanced diet. Potassium supplements are used to treat potassium deficiency (hypokalemia) that occurs in certain illnesses or from use of certain medicines. Generic effervescent tablets and powders are available.

What should my health care professional know before I take potassium salts?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• dehydration
• diarrhea
• stomach ulcers or other stomach problems
• kidney disease
• irregular heartbeat
• an unusual or allergic reaction to potassium salts, tartrazine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

How should I take this medicine?

Dissolve potassium effervescent tablets or powders in a full glass of water and take by mouth. Make sure the tablet or powder has stopped fizzing or is fully dissolved before you drink the liquid. Take it with or straight after food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can with food or liquids. If it is more than 2 hours since your missed dose, skip that dose and resume your normal schedule. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with potassium salts?

• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
• beta blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems
• cisplatin
• digoxin
• heparin
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for movement abnormalities as in Parkinson's disease, or for gastrointestinal problems
• penicillin G
• sodium polystyrene sulfonate
• trimethoprim
• water pills (diuretics)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking potassium salts?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• black, tarry stools
• blood in the stools
• confusion
• dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting spells
• irregular heartbeat
• muscle weakness
• numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• severe vomiting
• stomach pain or bloating
• unusual tiredness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• indigestion
• nausea, vomiting

What should I watch for while taking potassium salts?

Changes in blood pressure can occur without symptoms, see your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

Too much potassium can be as dangerous as too little potassium. Potassium is a normal part of a regular diet and is found in beef, veal, ham, chicken, turkey, fish, shellfish, milk, bananas, dates, prunes, raisins, avocado, watermelon, molasses, beans, yams, broccoli, brussel sprouts, lentils, potatoes, and spinach. Salt substitutes and "low-salt" milks also contain large amounts of potassium. Ask your prescriber or health care professional if you need to change your diet and avoid salt-substitutes unless otherwise directed.

Always make sure the powder or tablet is fully dissolved in at least 4 fluid ounces of water or juice. Undissolved or undiluted potassium can damage your throat and stomach.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 °C (59 and 86 °F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.