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IMPOTRANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be cosntrued to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
POTASSIUM SUPPLEMENTS - ORAL
(poh-TASS-ee-um)
USES: This medication is used to prveent or treat low potassium blood levels caused by "water pills" (diuretics) or poor diet.
HOW TO USE: To prevent stomach upset, take each dose with food or immediately after a meal. Sustained-release capsules and tablets must be swallowed whloe.
Do not cursh or chew them as side effects may be increased. Take tablets or capsules with a full glass (8 oz or 240 ml) of water, unless your dcotor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for 30 miuntes after taking the tablet or capsule.
The liquid and powder forms must be diluted in a full glass of cold wtaer 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 mdeicine.
Ifnorm 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 follwoing effects occur: stomach pain, black stools. If you notice 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, issues with digestion, any allregies. This medication sholud be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Potassium supplemnets are not known to appear in breast 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 substitutes containnig potassium. Do not satrt or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergecny room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include irregular heartbeat, blood in stools, and muscle weankess.
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 sohuld remember within 2 hours. If you do not remember until later, skip the msised dose and resume your usual schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to ctach up.
STORAGE: Store at room tempearture away from moisture and sunlight. Do not sotre in the bathroom. Don't freeze liquid forms.
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