Potassium Chloride

Dosage forms available

• Potassium Chloride can be taken orally (tablet, oral solution or syrup, effervescent tablets for dissolving in water, and powder for reconstitution), and administered intravenously (infusion).

Age and dose restrictions

• Potassium Chloride can be used by adults, and children over the age of 2 years.

Contraindications

• Potassium Chloride is contraindicated in patients with hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium in the blood), severe kidney impairment, untreated Addison's disease, severe tissue injury, and dehydration.

Other medications to avoid

• Potassium Chloride may interact with medications that increase serum potassium, such as ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, lisinopril), ARBs (e.g., losartan, valsartan), potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene) and NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen).

Overdose and missed dose

• Overdosing on Potassium Chloride can lead to hyperkalemia, which may cause symptoms such as muscle weakness, abnormal heart rhythms, or numbness. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.

• If you miss a dose of Potassium Chloride, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Management of side effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• Drinking plenty of water can help manage some of the gastrointestinal side effects, such as stomach discomfort, nausea, and diarrhoea.

• Taking Potassium Chloride with food can also help minimise stomach irritation.

Use in driving and operating machinery

• Potassium Chloride does not usually interfere with the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you experience dizziness or fatigue after taking this medication, it is advisable to avoid these activities.

Use in pregnancy and lactation

• Potassium Chloride should only be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding if clearly needed and as directed by your doctor.

Caution in other conditions

• Care should be taken when using Potassium Chloride in patients with heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, or gastrointestinal ulcers due to the potential for increased risk of hyperkalemia.

Special dietary and lifestyle recommendations

• It is advisable to eat a balanced diet rich in potassium. Foods like bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, raisins, dates, prunes, avocados, spinach, broccoli, potatoes, lentils, beans, yoghurt, fish and meat are good sources.

• Limit the intake of salt substitutes or low-sodium milk products that contain potassium.

• Regular monitoring of your potassium levels is recommended.