Potassium

Potassium is essential for the proper functioning of the heart, kidneys, muscles, nerves, and digestive system. Usually the food you eat supplies all of the potassium you need. However, certain diseases (e.g., kidney disease and gastrointestinal disease with vomiting and diarrhea) and drugs, especially diuretics ('water pills'), remove potassium from the body. Potassium supplements are taken to replace potassium losses and prevent potassium deficiency. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Potassium comes in oral liquid, powder, granules, effervescent tablets, regular tablets, extended-release (long-acting) tablets, and extended-release capsules. It usually is taken two to four times a day, with or immediately after meals. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take potassium exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Take all forms of potassium with a full glass of water or fruit juice. Add the liquid to water. Dissolve the powder, granules, or effervescent tablets in cold water or fruit juice according to the manufacturer's directions or the directions on your prescription label; mix the drug well just before you take it. Cold liquids help mask the unpleasant taste. Swallow extended-release tablets and capsules whole. Do not chew them or dissolve them in your mouth.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Potassium may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

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upset stomach</li>
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vomiting</li>
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diarrhea</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

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mental confusion</li>
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listlessness</li>
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tingling, prickling, burning, tight, or pulling sensation of arms, hands, legs, or feet</li>
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heaviness or weakness of legs</li>
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cold, pale, gray skin</li>
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stomach pain</li>
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unusual stomach bulging</li>
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black stools</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking potassium, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to potassium or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec),and lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril); diuretics ('water pills'); and vitamins. Do not take potassium if you are taking amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), or triamterene (Dyrenium). tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, kidney, or Addison's (adrenal gland) disease. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking potassium.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.