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Overview: Potassium chloride, which is 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. Serious side effects are rare but include damage to the intestines. Potassium chloride is available in many different forms that are taken by mouth, including tablets, capsules, and liquid.

Uses

What is potassium chloride used for?

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

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

How does potassium chloride work (mechanism of action)?

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

How is potassium chloride supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • K-Dur
  • K-Tab
  • Klor-Con
  • Klor-Con M
  • Klotrix
  • Micro-K
  • Pokonza
  • Slow K

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 8 mEq, 10 mEq extended-release oral capsules
  • 8 mEq, 10 mEq, 15 mEq, 20 mEq extended-release oral tablets
  • 10 mEq, 20 mEq powder for oral solution
  • 20 mEq/15 mL (10%), 40 mEq/15 mL (20%) oral solution

How should I store potassium chloride?

Potassium chloride 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 and protect from light. Do not freeze.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of potassium chloride?

The most common side effects of potassium chloride 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 chloride 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 chloride?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Potassium chloride may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking potassium chloride 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 chloride 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 chloride. 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

Intestine Bleeding or Narrowing. Potassium chloride can increase your risk of developing bleeding sores (ulcers) in your gut. It can also cause your gut to narrow, which increases the risk of a blockage. The risk is higher if you have a history of stomach ulcers or take a type of medicine called an anticholinergic medicine. Stop taking potassium chloride and get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Severe vomiting
  • Vomiting blood
  • Black or tarry poop
  • Stomach pain that does not go away
  • Stomach swelling or bloating

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use potassium chloride?

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

  • K-Dur
  • K-Tab
  • Klor-Con
  • Klor-Con M
  • Klotrix
  • Micro-K
  • Pokonza
  • Slow K
  • Potassium Chloride
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

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

Esophagus, Stomach, or Gut Problems. You should not take potassium chloride tablets or capsules if you have certain problems with your esophagus, stomach, or gut. Some examples of these problems include ulcers in the stomach or intestines, trouble swallowing food, slow stomach emptying (gastroparesis), or a blocked intestine. If you have any of these conditions, talk to your healthcare provider about whether a liquid form of potassium chloride may be a better option for you.

Drug Interactions. Potassium chloride should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking potassium chloride, 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 chloride before using it?

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

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

Keep potassium chloride out of the reach of children.

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

Do not chew, crush, or suck on potassium chloride extended-release tablets. These tablets should be swallowed with a full glass of water while eating or right after eating. It is normal to see pieces of the extended-release tablets in your stools (poop). If you have trouble swallowing the tablets whole, talk to your healthcare provider about how to take this medicine.

Potassium chloride extended-release capsules should be taken with a full glass of water while eating or right after eating. If you have trouble swallowing the capsules whole, you can open the capsules and sprinkle the medicine onto a soft food, like applesauce or pudding. The soft food should be swallowed whole, without chewing, and followed by a full glass of water or juice. Do not sprinkle the medicine onto hot foods.

Some forms of potassium chloride are liquids and some are powders that are dissolved in water. Both of these forms of potassium chloride should be mixed with about one-half cup (120 milliliters) of a cold beverage. Once your dose has been mixed, you can drink it while eating or right after eating. Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device.

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

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

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 chloride 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.

  • Esophagus, stomach, or intestine problems
  • Heart problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems
  • Swallowing problems
  • Plans to start a new exercise program

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how potassium chloride 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 chloride while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Potassium is a normal part of breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take potassium chloride while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does potassium chloride interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between potassium chloride and foods or drinks. Potassium chloride should be taken while eating or right after eating.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect potassium chloride.

Does potassium chloride 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 chloride.

  • A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
  • Aliskiren (Tekturna), which is a medicine for high 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
  • An anticholinergic medicine, which includes antihistamines and medicines commonly used for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or stomach problems
  • A supplement or salt-substitute containing potassium
  • 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
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with potassium chloride. 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 chloride?

If you or someone else has used too much potassium chloride, 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 chloride?

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.