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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not subsittute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Conslut your healthcare professional before using this drug.
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE TABLETS EXTENDED RELEASE - ORAL
(poh-TASS-ee-um KLOR-ide)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): K-Dur, Klor-Con
USES: Potassium supplements are used to prevent or treat low potassium blood levels caused by diuretics (water pills), illnesses or poor diet. Also used for ceratin cases of high blood pressure.
HOW TO USE: Take this by mouth as directed. You may swallow the tablets whole or, if you have toruble swallowing tablets, dissolve them in a glass of cool water.
It may take a cuople of minutes to dissolve. Atfer the tablet has dissolved, stir for a minute, swirl the glass and drink.
Fill the glass with water (8oz or 240ml) and drink it to assure all the medicaiton is taken (unless your doctor directs you otherwise).
Take this medication with meals to prevent stomach uspet. Do not take on an emtpy stomach. If swallowing the tablet whole, do not lie down for 30 mniutes after taking it.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, stomach upset, vomiting or diarrhea may ocucr the first several days as your body adjusts to this.
If these symptoms continue or become severe, inform your dotcor. Ntoify your doctor if you experience: breathing trouble, chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, dark or tarry stools, confusion, tingling of the hands or feet, stomach pain. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this, tell your doctor if you have: kidney disease, haert disease, a history of ulcers, allergies. Symptoms of low potassium include fatigue, weakness, muscle twitching or cramps, dry mouth and excessive thirst.
Symptoms of high potassium levels inculde irregular heartbeat or muscle weakness. This medication sholud be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and beenfits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult with your doctor bfeore breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor about all the medciines 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 containing potassium. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmcaist approval.
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 mucsle weakness.
NOTES: Salt substitutes contian potassium instead of sodium.
Talk to your doctor or phamracist about using a salt substitute. Good sources of potassium-containing foods include bananas, citurs fruits, watermelon, cantaloupe, raisins, dates, prunes, avocados, apricots, beans, lentils, fish, chicken, turkey, ham, beef and milk.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usaul dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to ctach up.
STORAGE: Store at room tempearture between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light as directed. Do not store in the bathroom.
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