What is Potassium/Slow K used for?

This medicine is used to prevent or treat low blood potassium levels when the amount of potassium in the diet is inadequate. It may also be used to treat low potassium levels caused by some diseases, severe or prolonged episodes of vomiting or diarrhea, or by certain medicines (such as diuretics). Symptoms of low potassium levels include weakness, fatigue, or weakening of muscles. It should be only used when the patient cannot take liquid or effervescent tablet doseforms.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Potassium/Slow K be stored?

Store Tablet at 59 to 86 degrees F. Protect from light and moisture.

General drug information:

When should Potassium/Slow K not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine you have severe kidney disease you have untreated Addison's disease you are dehydrated you have heat cramps you have high potassium levels in the blood

What precautions should I follow when taking Potassium/Slow K?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine if you have any other medical condition

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Potassium/Slow K?

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Close monitoring may be needed if you are taking digoxin, potassium-sparing diuretics, or medicine for heart conditions or high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors). Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

What are the side effects of Potassium/Slow K?

Most severe:  Heart problems; bleeding in the stomach.

Most common:  Vomiting; nausea; stomach discomfort; diarrhea.

Other:  Ulcers in the esophagus.

How should I take Potassium/Slow K?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. This medicine may cause stomach upset. Take after meals or with food and with a full glass of water or other liquid. Swallow Tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, split, or suck on the Tablet. Lab tests may be required while taking this medicine. Be sure to keep appointments. Too much or too little potassium can adversely affect your heart. Be sure that your health care provider and pharmacist are aware of any heart medications that you are taking. Talk with your health care provider at once if any of the following occurs: Tingling of the hands and feet; abnormal heartbeat; unusual tiredness or weakness; a feeling of heaviness in the legs; severe vomiting; stomach pain; black, tarry stools; indigestion. Common sources of potassium include beef, veal, ham, chicken, turkey, fish, milk, bananas, dates, prunes, raisin, avocado, watermelon, cantaloupe, apricots, molasses, beans, yams, broccoli, brussel sprouts, lentils, potatoes, and spinach. Talk with your health care provider if you have a problem swallowing the Tablet or if they seem to stick in the throat. Following the release of this medicine, the empty tablet shell may appear in the stool. This is normal and no cause for concern. Do not use salt substitutes, except on the advice of your health care provider. Do not stop taking this medication without checking with your doctor. Do not take more medication than is prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your doctor. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.