Potassium supplements

About Potassium supplements

This belongs to the group of medicines known as electrolytes.

Potassium is essential for keeping the body healthy. Too little or too much potassium can trigger irregular heart rhythms. Diuretic drugs can cause a mild loss of potassium, but usually have no symptoms, although elderly people may experience muscle weakness and confusion.

Your doctor will assess your blood-potassium levels to check if replacement therapy is needed:

• for older people with a poor diet
• if you take high doses of a diuretic or the heart drug digoxin or an anti - arrhythmic drug;
• if the body's potassium control is disrupted - by a severe liver disease, for example;
• if you lose potassium in faeces through an illness such as chronic diarrhoea, or experience vomiting or diarrhoea while taking a diuretic.

Potassium supplements are available in effervescent tablet and oral liquid form. They are also available as a modified release preparation, which means that potassium is released slowly over the day to give an even effect.

Before Taking Potassium supplements

Before taking any of this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from kidney problems
• if you have ever suffered from a stomach ulcer, bowel problems or hiatus hernia
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Potassium supplements

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take potassium supplements with or immediately after food.
• If you have been prescribed the modified release tablets, swallow them whole with a large glass of water during meals, whilst sitting or standing.
• Dissolve or mix the effervescent tablets in water before taking.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of potassium supplements go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside potassium supplements.

Can Potassium supplements cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Feeling or being sick.

If you experience any other worrying side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Potassium supplements

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 02/04/2003