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Health and Nutrition > Medicines > K



How does it work?

Potassium is an essential element required by the body for normal functioning. Potassium chloride, taken in the form of tablets, granules, syrup or powder is used to correct and/or prevent low levels of potassium in the blood. Potassium is available in the normal diet and is removed by the kidneys. Some medicines cause the body to lose excessive amounts of potassium. Some medical conditions also cause potassium loss (for example, chronic diarrhoea, kidney disease or heart failure). In these situations potassium supplementation may prevent severe potassium loss (hypokalaemia) and its associated symptoms, such as, muscle weakness, dizziness and disturbances in the heart rhythm.

What is it used for?

- Low blood potassium levels (hypokalaemia)

Use with caution in

- Hiatus hernia
- Increased acid levels in the blood (metabolic acidosis)
- Mildly decreased kidney function
- Partial blockage of the gut (partial intestinal obstruction)
- People over the age of 75 years
- Peptic ulcer

Not to be used in

- Burns
- Dehydration
- High levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalaemia)
- Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient
- Severely decreased kidney function
- Untreated disease state in which there is inadequate production of natural steroid hormones by the adrenal glands

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- There are no known harmful effects when this medicine is used by breastfeeding mothers.

Label warnings

- Take this medication with or after food.