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Overview: Potassium bicarbonate, a form of potassium, is used to treat and prevent low potassium by increasing potassium levels in the body. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, and stomach discomfort. Potassium bicarbonate is an effervescent tablet, which means that it dissolves in water to create a fizzy drink.

Uses

What is potassium bicarbonate used for?

Potassium bicarbonate is commonly used to treat or prevent low potassium levels (hypokalemia).

Potassium bicarbonate may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not found this medicine to be safe and effective, and the label is not approved by the FDA. Learn more about unapproved drugs here.

How does potassium bicarbonate work (mechanism of action)?

Potassium bicarbonate is a form of potassium. Taking potassium bicarbonate can help to increase potassium levels.

How is potassium bicarbonate supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Effer-K
  • Klor-Con/EF

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 10 mEq, 20 mEq, 25 mEq effervescent tablets for oral solution

How should I store potassium bicarbonate?

Potassium bicarbonate should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place in the original container. Do not remove the tablet from its packaging until you are ready to take it.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of potassium bicarbonate?

The most common side effects of potassium bicarbonate are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea or gas
  • Stomach pain or discomfort

There may be other side effects of potassium bicarbonate that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of potassium bicarbonate?

While less common, the most serious side effects of potassium bicarbonate are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Potassium bicarbonate may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking potassium bicarbonate and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

High Potassium Levels (Hyperkalemia). Potassium bicarbonate can cause a high potassium level (hyperkalemia), which can be serious and may lead to death. This risk is higher in people who take certain other medicines or who have certain health problems. Your healthcare provider may check your potassium levels while you are taking potassium bicarbonate. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a high potassium level.

  • Muscle weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Slow heartbeat or feeling of skipped heartbeats
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Trouble breathing
  • Abnormal heart rhythm

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use potassium bicarbonate?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take potassium bicarbonate.

  • Effer-K
  • Klor-Con/EF
  • Potassium bicarbonate
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific potassium bicarbonate products they stock.

High Potassium Levels. You should not take potassium bicarbonate if you have high potassium levels (hyperkalemia). Let your healthcare provider know if you have a history of high potassium levels or you have a condition that increases your risk of high potassium levels.

Drug Interactions. Potassium bicarbonate should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking potassium bicarbonate, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about potassium bicarbonate before using it?

Do not take potassium bicarbonate unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share potassium bicarbonate with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep potassium bicarbonate out of the reach of children.

Potassium bicarbonate is a form of potassium. You should not take other forms of potassium, such as potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, without approval from your healthcare provider.

Each potassium bicarbonate tablet should be dissolved in a cold or icy beverage. Follow the instructions that come with the medicine. As the tablet dissolves, it will cause the drink to become fizzy. Once the tablet is completely dissolved, drink the dose slowly over the next five to ten minutes. It is best to drink your dose of potassium bicarbonate while eating or right after eating.

Your healthcare provider may monitor your heart rhythm and check your blood levels while you are taking potassium bicarbonate. Keep all appointments for blood work and other tests. 

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using potassium bicarbonate?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if potassium bicarbonate is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Dehydration
  • Diabetes
  • Esophagus or intestine problems
  • Stomach problems, including ulcers or gastroparesis
  • Heart problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Plans to start a new exercise program
  • A rare genetic muscle condition called myotonia congenita
  • A rare genetic muscle condition called familial periodic paralysis

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how potassium bicarbonate could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take potassium bicarbonate while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if potassium bicarbonate passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop potassium bicarbonate.

Interactions

Does potassium bicarbonate interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between potassium bicarbonate and foods or drinks. Potassium bicarbonate tablets should be dissolved in a cold drink and taken while eating or right after eating.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect potassium bicarbonate.

Does potassium bicarbonate interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking potassium bicarbonate.

  • A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
  • An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, such as enalapril or lisinopril, which is a medicine for high blood pressure or certain heart or kidney problems
  • An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), such as losartan or valsartan, which is a medicine for high blood pressure or certain heart or kidney problems
  • A beta-blocker, such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL, and others), atenolol (Tenormin), or propranolol (Inderal LA, Innopran XL), which is a medicine that may be used for certain heart conditions or to lower blood pressure
  • A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which is in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
  • Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), which is a medicine that suppresses your immune system
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
  • Heparin, which is a blood thinner
  • Potassium chloride (Klor-Con and others), which is a medicine used to raise potassium levels
  • A supplement or salt-substitute containing potassium

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with potassium bicarbonate. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much potassium bicarbonate?

If you or someone else has used too much potassium bicarbonate, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of potassium bicarbonate?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.