Sando-K

Health and Nutrition > Medicines > S



How does it work?

This medicine contains two salts of potassium, the chloride and the bicarbonate. Potassium is an essential element required by the body for normal functioning. Potassium salts, taken in the form of effervescent tablets are 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)

Warning!

- Blood tests to determine the levels of salts, particularly potassium, in the blood and a heart trace (ECG) should be performed regularly during potassium replacement therapy.

Use with caution in

- Decreased kidney function
- Elderly people
- Heart disease
- Hereditary disease characterised by spasm and rigidity of certain muscles when an attempt is made to move them (myotonia congenita)
- High acid levels in the blood and tissues (acidosis)
- Severe destruction of red blood cells (severe haemolysis)

Not to be used in

- Crush injuries
- High levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalaemia)
- Inadequate production of natural steroid hormones by the adrenal glands (Addison's disease) which is not rectified by treatment
- Severe dehydration
- Severely decreased kidney function with decreased urine production (oliguria)

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, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- This medicine should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

- Dissolve or mix this medication with water before taking.
- Take this medication with or after food.

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