Drugs & Vitamins

K-Tab Active Ingredients: Potassium Chloride Oral Representative Names: K+10, K+8, K-Dur, K-Tab, Kaon-Cl, Klor-Con Available Product Images: What are potassium tablets, extended-release tablets or capsules? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with potassium salts? What side effects may I notice from taking potassium salts? What should I watch for while taking potassium salts? Where can I keep my medicine? What are potassium tablets, extended-release tablets or capsules? (Back to top) POTASSIUM (K-Norm®, K-Dur®, Slow-K®, Micro-K®, and many others) is a naturally occurring salt that is important for the normal functioning of the heart, muscles, and nerves. Too much or too little potassium in the body can cause serious problems. Potassium occurs naturally in many foods and is normally supplied by a balanced diet. Potassium supplements are used to treat potassium deficiency (hypokalemia) that occurs in certain illnesses or from use of certain medicines. Potassium comes as different salts and generic potassium salts are available in tablet form. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •dehydration •diarrhea •stomach ulcers or other stomach problems •kidney disease •irregular heartbeat •an unusual or allergic reaction to potassium salts, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take potassium tablets or capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets or capsules whole with a full glass of water or juice (In general, do not take this medicine with tomato juice; tomato juice contains a high amount of sodium/salt that may not be beneficial to your medication regimen or health conditions). Take tablets or capsules in an upright or sitting position. If possible take bedtime doses at least 10 minutes before lying down. Do not crush or chew the sustained-release tablets or capsules. Check with your pharmacist if you are not sure whether you are taking an extended-release tablet or capsule. Taking a sip of water first, before taking the tablets or capsules, may help you swallow them. If you have problems swallowing, ask your doctor about other ways you can take potassium. If potassium upsets your stomach take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is more than 2 hours since your missed dose, skip that dose and resume your normal schedule. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with potassium salts? (Back to top) •antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen) •beta blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems •cisplatin •digoxin •heparin •medicines for high blood pressure •medicines for movement abnormalities as in Parkinson's disease, or for gastrointestinal problems •penicillin G •sodium polystyrene sulfonate •water pills (diuretics) Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking potassium salts? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •black, tarry stools •blood in the stools •confusion •dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting spells •irregular heartbeat •muscle weakness •numbness or tingling in hands or feet •pain on swallowing •severe vomiting •stomach pain or bloating •unusual tiredness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •indigestion •nausea, vomiting What should I watch for while taking potassium salts? (Back to top) Changes in the blood potassium level can occur without symptoms, see your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Too much potassium can be as dangerous as too little potassium. Potassium is a normal part of a regular diet and is found in beef, veal, ham, chicken, turkey, fish, shellfish, milk, bananas, dates, prunes, raisins, avocado, watermelon, molasses, beans, yams, broccoli, brussel sprouts, lentils, potatoes, and spinach. Salt substitutes and 'low-salt' milks also contain large amounts of potassium. Ask your prescriber or health care professional if you need to change your diet and avoid salt-substitutes unless otherwise directed. Contact your health care professional if you have trouble swallowing potassium tablets, or if the tablets seem to stick in your throat. If you notice tarry stools or signs of stomach bleeding, contact your health care provider right away. The shell of extended-release tablets (such as Slow-K®) may appear intact in the stool; this is not cause for concern. The tablet will have released the medication. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:12/20/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.