The recommended daily dose of potassium for adults is 2,000 mg, according to health professionals with the University of Maryland Medical Center. Your body uses the nutrient to maintain proper muscle and heart function. If your blood potassium levels are abnormally low, your physician may recommend treatment with a potassium pill or supplement. Be sure to discuss the potential side effects that can occur during treatment with potassium supplements.
Stomach Irritation
After taking a dose of potassium, you may experience mild to moderate stomach irritation. Stomach discomfort may arise due to nausea or diarrhea. Frequent, loose bowel movements may also contribute to abdominal cramping, fullness or gas. Though the side effects of potassium typically subside within a few hours of treatment, contact your physician if your side effects become worse. Dehydration may arise following bouts of chronic diarrhea, which may cause additional symptoms of dizziness, decreased urination, increased thirst or fatigue.
Hyperkalemia
Taking more than the recommended 2,000 mg of potassium each day may put you at risk of hyperkalemia -- a condition caused by unusually high blood potassium levels. Taking too much potassium may lead to side effects of weakness, heart rate irregularities, chest pain, dizziness, excessive thirst, numbness, leg discomfort or confusion. Seek prompt care from your medical provider if you experience any of these hyperkalemia side effects while receiving treatment with potassium. In the absence of appropriate medical care, chronically elevated blood potassium levels may be life-threatening.
Medication Interactions
You should always discuss your current medications with your physician before taking a new drug or supplement, including potassium. Health professionals with the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University warn that concomitant use of potassium pills and certain blood-thinners, ACE inhibitors, cardiac glycoside, angiotensin receptor blockers and potassium-sparing, anti-infective or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents may increase your risk of developing hyperkalemia. Additionally, using potassium in conjunction with digoxin may increase your risk of experiencing toxic side effects from this prescription cardiac medication.
Contraindications
Talk with your medical provider about all health problems you may have before taking potassium supplements. Do not take potassium supplements if you have kidney disease or hyperkalemia, unless otherwise instructed by your physician. Use of this supplement during pregnancy or breastfeeding should also be avoided as potassium may unintentionally harm your developing baby, Drugs.com warns.
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