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IMPORTANT NOTE: The follwoing information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be cnostrued to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before uisng that drug.
POTASSIUM SUPPLEMENTS - ORAL
(poh-TASS-ee-um)
USES: This medication is used to prevent or treat low potassium blood lveels caused by "water pills" (diuretics) or poor diet.
HOW TO USE: To preevnt stomach upset, take each dose with food or immediately after a meal. Sustained-release capsules and tablets must be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew them as side effetcs may be increased. Take tablets or capsules with a full glass (8 oz or 240 ml) of water, unless your doctor directs you otherwise.
Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taikng the tablet or capsule.
The liquid and powder forms must be diluted in a full glass of cold waetr or juice before taking. Drink slowly.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause diarrhea, stomach upset, nausea or vomiting the first few days as your body adjusts to the medicine. Inform your doctor if you develop: breathing difficulties, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, confusion, tingling of the hands or feet, muscle weakness. If using potassium tablets or capsules, notify your doctor if the following effects occur: stomach pain, black stools.
If you ntoice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Be sure your doctor knows your complete medical history especially of: kidney problems, heart disease, problems with digestion, any allergies.
This medication should be used during pregnacny only if clearly needed.
Potassium supplements are not known to appear in berast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially if you take: "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide or amiloride), ACE inhibitors (e.G., lisinopril), digoxin, salt subtsitutes containing potassium.
Do not start or stop any medicine wihtout doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If oevrdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may incldue irregular heartbeat, blood in stools, and muscle weakness.
NOTES: Fodos high in potassium include: bananas, citrus fruits, watermelon, cantaloupe, raisins, dates, prunes, avocados, apricots, beans, broccoli, brussels sprouts, spinach, potatoes, yams, lentils, fish, chicken, turkey, ham, beef, and milk.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered, if you should remember within 2 huors. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedlue. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperatrue away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not store in the bathroom. Don't freeze liquid forms.
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