Taking Potassium

Your potassium supplement helps replace potassium your body has lost. This loss may be because of a medicine you take, such as a water pill (diuretic). Or it may be because of a health condition you have.

The reason I'm taking potassium is:

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• Read the fact sheet that comes with your medicine. It tells you when and how to take it. Ask for a medicine fact sheet if you don't get one.
• Always take your potassium with food.
• If you take a long-acting tablet or capsule, swallow it with a full glass of water. Don't crush or chew it unless you're told it's okay to do so.
• If you take potassium as granules, powder, fizzing tablets, or liquid, you must dilute it in at least 1 cup (8 oz.) of cold water or juice. Wait for fizzing to stop before drinking the liquid. Then sip slowly.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's a few hours before your next dose, skip the missed dose. Don't take a double dose.

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of foods that have potassium. Potatoes, orange juice, and bananas are high in potassium. Talk with your doctor before changing the amounts of foods you eat that are high in potassium. Ask your doctor if you shouldn't drink grapefruit juice.
• Don't use salt substitutes. Don't eat foods labeled low-sodium unless your doctor says it's okay. Many have extra potassium.
• Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines. This includes prescription or over-the-counter medicines. It also includes vitamins, minerals, herbal remedies, and other supplements.
• Refill your prescription before you run out.
• Don't share your medicine with anyone.
• Check your blood pressure regularly as directed by your doctor.
• Have blood tests as advised to watch your potassium levels.

Contact your doctor right away if any of these occur:

• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• Pain when swallowing
• Abnormal weakness or tiredness
• Mild palpitations
• Black, tarry stools

The following side effects are common and usually improve as your body adjusts to the medicine. But call your doctor if these are severe or don't go away:

• Diarrhea
• Upset stomach (nausea)
• Stomach gas
• Occasional vomiting

Call 911 right away if any of these occur:

• Confusion
• Pale, gray skin
• Allergic reaction, such as skin rash, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• A new, sudden irregular heartbeat
• Feeling faint, lightheaded, or passing out
• Abnormal or new chest pain
• Severe palpitations