Taking Potassium

Your potassium supplement helps replace potassium your body has lost. This loss may be because of a medicine you take, such as a diuretic (water pill). Or it may be because of a medical condition you have.

Medicine tips

• Read the fact sheet that comes with your medicine. It tells you when and how to take it. Ask for a medicine fact sheet if you don’t get one.

• Always take your potassium along with food.

• If you take a long-acting tablet or capsule, swallow it with a full glass of water or juice. Do not crush or chew it unless you’re told it’s OK to do so.

• If you take potassium as granules, powder, fizzing tablets, or liquid, you must dilute it in at least 1 cup (8 oz) of cold water or juice. Wait for fizzing to stop before drinking the liquid. Then sip slowly.

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember—unless it’s almost time for (a few hours before) your next dose. If so, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

For your safety

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of foods that contain potassium. Potatoes, orange juice, and bananas are some of the foods that are very high in potassium. Talk with your healthcare provider before changing the amounts of foods you eat that are high in potassium. Ask your provider if you need to avoid grapefruit juice. 

• Do not use salt substitutes or eat foods labeled low-sodium unless your healthcare provider says it’s OK. Many contain extra potassium.

• Tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines. This includes vitamin and mineral supplements and herbal remedies.

• Be sure to refill your prescription before you run out. 

• Do not share your medicine with anyone.

• Check your blood pressure regularly as directed by your healthcare provider.