This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
Or click here for clinical trials research information on klor.
Potassium Chloride (Klor Con) Consumer Information
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE
Generic Name: potassium chloride (poe TAH see um)
Brand Names: Cena K, Glu-K, K+Care, K-10, K-Dur, K-Lor, K-Norm, K-Tab, Kaochlor, Kaon-CI, Kato, Kay Ciel, Klor-Con, Klorvess, Klotrix, Micro-K, Slow-K, Ten-K
What is the most important information I should know about potassium chloride?
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Take potassium chloride with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
- Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release medicine slowly in the body. If you have problems swallowing, ask your doctor about other forms of potassium.
- Mix the liquid with at least 4 ounces (one-half cup) of water or juice. Mix it thoroughly and drink it immediately. Do not drink the liquid without diluting it first.
- Do not use a salt substitute while taking potassium chloride without first talkingn to your doctor. Salt substitutes usually contain potassium. You may get too much potassium and experience from side effects if you use these products.
What is potassium chloride?
- Potassium is a mineral that is found naturally in foods and is necessary for many normal functions of the body, especially beating of the heart.
- Potassium chloride is used to prevent or to treat a potassium deficiency.
- Potassium chloride may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking potassium chloride?
- Before taking potassium chloride, tell your doctor if you
- have kidney disease;
- are taking a potassium-sparing diuretic such as triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), spironolactone (Aldactone, Aldactazide), or amiloride (Midamor, Moduretic);
- have Addison's disease;
- have an ulcer or an intestinal blockage; or
- have chronic diarrhea.
- You may not be able to take potassium chloride, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Potassium chloride is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether potassium chloride will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- It is not known whether potassium passes into breast milk. Do not take potassium chloride without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take potassium chloride?
- Take potassium chloride exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Take potassium chloride with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
- Mix the powder or liquid with at least 4 ounces (one-half cup) of water or juice. Mix it thoroughly and drink it immediately. Do not drink the liquid without diluting it first.
- Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release medicine slowly in the body. If you have problems swallowing, ask your doctor about other forms of potassium.
- Do not worry if you find a wax capsule in the stool. The capsule is formulated to be passed out in the stool, but the drug has been absorbed by the body.
- It is important to take potassium chloride regularly to get the most benefit.
- Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with potassium chloride to monitor progress and side effects.
- Store potassium chloride at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
- Symptoms of a potassium chloride overdose may include paralysis; numbness or tingling in the hands, arms, legs, or feet; an irregular heartbeat; low blood pressure (dizziness, confusion, weakness, fatigue); seizures; coma; and heart attack.
What should I avoid while taking potassium chloride?
- Do not use a salt substitute while taking potassium chloride without first talkingn to your doctor. Salt substitutes usually contain potassium. You may get too much potassium and experience from side effects if you use these products.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.