Indications
Potassium is an essential mineral and body salt (electrolyte). In medicines it is found:
- As a minor ingredient of many multivitamin and multimineral supplements, used to support general nutrition.
- As potassium salts (for example potassium chloride) used to prevent or treat low blood potassium, which can happen with vomiting, diarrhoea, or some water tablets (diuretics).
How It Works
Potassium is needed for the normal working of nerves, muscles and the heart, and helps keep the right balance of fluids in the body. Supplements replace potassium that has been lost or is lacking.
Dosage and Administration
- Multivitamin and mineral products: take as the label or doctor advises, usually one tablet a day after a meal.
- Potassium supplements for low potassium: the dose depends on blood test results and must be as prescribed. Swallow tablets whole with plenty of water while sitting or standing, with or after food. Liquids and powders should be dissolved fully in water before drinking.
- Injections are given in hospital by a doctor or nurse only.
Interactions
Some medicines raise blood potassium, and taking potassium supplements with them can be dangerous: ACE inhibitors (such as Enalapril and Ramipril), angiotensin receptor blockers (such as Losartan), potassium-sparing diuretics (such as Spironolactone and Amiloride), Trimethoprim, Ciclosporin, Tacrolimus and NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen. Check with a doctor before taking any potassium supplement with these. The small amounts in multivitamins are rarely a problem.
Contraindications
- High blood potassium (hyperkalaemia).
- Severe kidney disease, untreated Addison’s disease, or severe dehydration (for potassium supplements).
- Allergy to any ingredient of the product.
Side Effects
Potassium supplements may cause nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, diarrhoea and wind. Tablets can irritate the food pipe or stomach if not swallowed properly.
Get urgent medical help for muscle weakness, numbness or tingling, confusion, a slow or irregular heartbeat, black stools, vomiting blood, severe stomach pain or difficulty swallowing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
The amounts in multivitamins and normal diet are safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Potassium supplements for low potassium may be used when a doctor advises.
Precautions and Warnings
- Do not take potassium supplements without medical advice if you have kidney disease, heart disease or diabetes, or take medicines that affect potassium.
- Regular blood tests are needed during treatment for low potassium.
- Avoid salt substitutes, which often contain potassium, unless a doctor approves.
- Do not take several products containing potassium at the same time.
Overdose
Too much potassium can cause dangerously high blood levels, leading to weakness, irregular heartbeat and even cardiac arrest, especially in people with kidney problems. Get urgent medical help if too much has been taken.
Therapeutic Class
Minerals and electrolytes.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light. Keep out of reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.