Potassium is a mineral that is required for the body to function normally. The National Institutes of Health website, MedlinePlus, lists the many body systems in which potassium is needed; these include the digestive system, the cardiovascular system and the nervous system. If potassium levels in the blood become too low, this is called hypokalemia. Common causes of hypokalemia include certain medications called diuretics, as well as repeated episodes of vomiting or diarrhea. Mild cases of hypokalemia may be treated by taking potassium supplements; however, side effects may occur.
Hyperkalemia
A variety of potassium preparations are available to treat hypokalemia: potassium chloride, potassium phophate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium gluconate and potassium acetate are all potassium supplements that may be taken by mouth. A major concern with any of these potassium supplements is that hyperkalemia--abnormally low potassium levels in the blood--may develop. If you develop hyperkalemia from taking a potassium supplement, possible symptoms include muscle weakness and muscle paralysis. Heart-related indications that hyperkalemia is developing include changes in heart rate or heart rhythm. If you are taking potassium and notice such symptoms, contact a health care professional; a blood test may be done to determine if hyperkalemia has developed.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding
The medical reference UpToDate lists gastrointestinal bleeding as a possible side effect of several types of potassium supplements. In its discussion of the supplement potassium chloride, UpToDate warns readers that in the oral form of this medication, bleeding within the digestive system may occur. Furthermore, the commonly used supplement potassium bicarbonate lists gastrointestinal bleeding as part of a cascade that may occur in patients: you may experience an upset stomach, with nausea and vomiting, and this may lead to abdominal pain and even ulcers within the digestive tract; bleeding may then occur. If you are taking potassium supplements and notice that bowel movements have blood in them or have become black or tarry, these are indicators that bleeding is occurring within the intestines; seek immediate medical attention.
Shortness of Breath
Dyspnea is a term that is used to indicate that a person is having shortness of breath. Mayo Clinic elaborates on this by explaining that a patient with dyspnea is feeling that he is not able to get enough air to breathe. Two different potassium supplements--potassium phosphate and potassium gluconate--have a risk of dyspnea associated with them. UpToDate reports that between 1 and 10 percent of patients may experience this unpleasant and frightening effect. If you are taking one of these supplements and are noticing this effect, speak with your physician about the possibility of switching to another potassium supplement.
References
- MedlinePlus: Potassium
- "UpToDate;" Clinical Manifestations and Treatment of Hypokalemia; D. Mount; October 2010
- "UpToDate;" Potassium Chloride: Drug Information; Lexi-Comp, Inc.; 2010
- "UpToDate;" Potassium Bicarbonate: Drug Information; Lexi-Comp, Inc.; 2010
- "UpToDate;" Potassium Gluconate: Drug Information; Lexi-Comp, Inc.; 2010
- Mayo Clinic: Shortness of Breath
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