Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, gas, or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
What are the side effects of taking potassium pills?
When taken by mouth: Potassium is likely safe for most people when taken by mouth in amounts of up to 100 mEq (3900 mg) of total potassium daily. In some people, potassium can cause stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, or intestinal gas .
What does potassium chloride do to the body?
Potassium chloride is a medicine used to prevent or treat low potassium levels in the body . Potassium is a mineral that your body needs for proper functioning of the heart, muscles, kidneys, nerves, and digestive system. Certain diseases, illnesses, and drugs can remove potassium from the body.
What are the dangers of potassium chloride?
- Chest pain.
- Trouble breathing.
- Severe throat irritation.
- Pain, irritation, or swelling at the point of injection.
- Stomach bloating.
- A high potassium level accompanied by weakness, nausea, irregular heartbeats, chest pain, and loss of movement.
- Severe stomach pain and vomiting.
Can you take too much potassium chloride?
Diarrhea, stomach pain, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or mouth, uneven heartbeat. Side effects are more likely if high dosages of potassium chloride are being taken. May not be suitable for some people including those with kidney failure, Addison's disease, severe burns, or severe wounds.
What are the signs of a potassium deficiency?
- Constipation.
- Feeling of skipped heart beats or palpitations.
- Fatigue.
- Muscle damage.
- Muscle weakness or spasms.
- Tingling or numbness.
Why should you not lie down after taking potassium?
Breaking or crushing the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Sucking on a potassium tablet can irritate your mouth or throat. Avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after you take this medication.
Should you take potassium at night or in the morning?
It is best to take this medicine with a meal or bedtime snack , or within 30 minutes after meals. Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not break, crush, chew, or suck it. Doing so, may cause irritation in the mouth or throat.
What are the side effects of too much potassium?
- Abdominal (belly) pain and diarrhea.
- Chest pain.
- Heart palpitations or arrhythmia (irregular, fast or fluttering heartbeat).
- Muscle weakness or numbness in limbs.
- Nausea and vomiting.
What are the benefits of taking potassium?
Potassium is one of the most important minerals in the body. It helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions and nerve signals . What's more, a high-potassium diet may help reduce blood pressure and water retention, protect against stroke and prevent osteoporosis and kidney stones.
Why would a doctor prescribe potassium chloride?
Potassium chloride is used to prevent or to treat low blood levels of potassium (hypokalemia) . Potassium levels can be low as a result of a disease or from taking certain medicines, or after a prolonged illness with diarrhea or vomiting.
Is potassium chloride healthier than salt?
Potassium chloride is a healthful salt substitute that can be used by food companies that want to obtain lower levels of sodium in the processed foods they make.
Is potassium chloride safe on skin?
Contact may cause irritation or rash, particulary with moist skin. Potassium chloride is moderate eye irritant . Redness, tearing, possible abrasion can occur.
Does potassium make you poop more?
“Potassium is an important electrolyte for proper muscle movement,” says Sam. When your potassium is low, the muscles in your colon don't move as much and can lead to constipation. Luckily, the cure is simple: Add more potassium to your diet with foods like potatoes, bananas, mangoes, prunes, raisins, and kiwis.
When should I take potassium chloride?
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor . To prevent stomach upset, take each dose with a meal and a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this medication. Do not crush, chew, or suck on the tablets.
Why am I pooping out my potassium pills?
Sometimes you may see what appears to be a whole tablet in the stool after taking certain extended-release potassium chloride tablets. This is to be expected. Your body has absorbed the potassium from the tablet and the shell is then expelled .
