Potassium Chloride Extended-Release Capsules

What is this medicine?

POTASSIUM CHLORIDE (poe TASS i um KLOOR ide) is a potassium supplement used to prevent and to treat low potassium. Potassium is important for the heart, muscles, and nerves. Too much or too little potassium in the body can cause serious problems.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this drug by mouth with a glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Take it with food. Do not cut, crush, chew, or suck this drug. Swallow the capsules whole. You may open the capsule and put the contents in a teaspoon of soft food, such as applesauce or pudding. Do not add to hot foods. Swallow the mixture right away. Do not chew the mixture. Drink a glass of water or juice after taking the mixture. Keep taking this medicine unless your health care provider tells you to stop.

Talk to your health care provider about the use of this drug in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• black, tarry stools

• breathing problems

• confusion

• heartburn

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• low blood pressure

• numbness or tingling in hands or feet

• pain when swallowing

• unusually weak or tired

• weakness, heaviness of legs

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• nausea, vomiting

• stomach pain

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• certain diuretics such as spironolactone, triamterene

• certain medicines for stomach problems like atropine; difenoxin and glycopyrrolate

• eplerenone

• sodium polystyrene sulfonate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• certain medicines for blood pressure or heart disease like lisinopril, losartan, quinapril, valsartan

• medicines that lower your chance of fighting infection such as cyclosporine, tacrolimus

• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

• other potassium supplements

• salt substitutes

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F ). Keep bottle closed tightly to protect this medicine from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Addison disease

• dehydration

• diabetes, high blood sugar

• difficulty swallowing

• heart disease

• high levels of potassium in the blood

• irregular heartbeat or rhythm

• kidney disease

• large areas of burned skin

• stomach ulcers, other stomach or intestine problems

• an unusual or allergic reaction to potassium, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. You will need lab work done regularly.

You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medicine. Ask your doctor.