Potassium, which carries a positive charge, is the major electrolyte inside your cells. The mineral helps maintain electrolyte and fluid balance, and controls nerve conduction and muscle contraction. Chloride, which carries a negative charge, is found outside of the cells. Chloride helps maintain acid-base balance. Potassium chloride supplements are used to prevent or treat low blood potassium levels, a condition called hypokalemia.
Forms
Potassium chloride is available in granule, powder and liquid forms or as an extended-release capsules or tablets. Powder, granule and liquid forms of potassium chloride should be mixed with at least 4 oz. of cold water or juice. You should drink the mixture slowly over a period of 5 to 10 minutes and make sure to ingest all of the liquid, according to Drugs.com. Extended-release capsules and tablets need to be taken whole. Breaking or crushing a tablet or capsule can cause a rapid and dangerous release of potassium into the blood. You should take potassium chloride with food or directly following a meal.
Considerations
When taking potassium chloride supplements, your doctor may put you on a special low-potassium diet to prevent blood potassium levels from getting too high. On this diet, you should avoid high potassium foods such as baked potatoes, squash, spinach, bananas, lentils, Brussels sprouts, kidney beans, navy beans, orange juice and low-fat milk and yogurt.
Side Effects
Potassium chloride supplements may cause side effects. Some minor side effects may include upset stomach, nausea, mild diarrhea and tingling in the hands and feet. The use of potassium chloride may also lead to serious side effects. If you experience confusion, anxiety, increased urination, increased thirst, muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, numbness in your limbs, diarrhea or vomiting, you should contact your doctor immediately. Signs of an allergic reaction to potassium chloride include hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, contact your doctor immediately.
Warnings
You should not use potassium chloride if have certain underlying medical conditions, such as Addison's disease, kidney failure, heart disease, high blood pressure or severe burns. If you take diuretics or have a high blood potassium level, you should avoid potassium chloride supplements. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take potassium chloride.
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