Taking potassium tablets can be helpful in treating muscle cramps caused by a potassium deficiency. Your doctor may recommend that you take a potassium supplement if you don’t get enough potassium in your diet or if you have a condition or disease that makes it difficult for your body to absorb enough potassium.
Identification
The mineral potassium is found in many of the foods you eat, such as apricots, cantaloupe, bananas, meat, lima beans, spinach, squash and yogurt. Potassium plays an important role in the functioning of your muscles. When potassium levels are too low, muscles can contract involuntarily and remain in the contracted position, causing a painful cramp. Although occasional muscle cramps aren’t uncommon, some people experience cramping on a regular basis because of low potassium levels. Eating foods with too much sodium can lower your potassium level, as can taking medications such as laxatives, antibiotics, antacids, diuretics, corticosteroids, insulin, theophylline and fluconazole. Potassium deficiencies can occur if you experience dehydration, excessive vomiting or diarrhea, or have a chronic condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease, bulimia, some types of kidney disease or a magnesium deficiency.
Taking Potassium Tablets
When you buy potassium tablets, you will notice that the pills also contain a type of salt, such as citrate, chloride or bicarbonate. NYU Langone Medical Center reports that a salt is added to make potassium supplements chemically stable. Potassium is available in regular, extended-release and effervescent tablet forms. The dosage and schedule for taking potassium tablets varies based on the cause of your condition. You might take tablets between two and four times per day, depending on your doctor’s instructions. Take regular and long-acting tablets with water during or after a meal. If you take effervescent tablets, be sure to thoroughly mix the tablets with juice or water until they dissolve completely.
Side Effects
Taking potassium tablets can cause side effects, particularly when you first start using the supplements. Common side effects include upset stomach, vomiting or diarrhea. These side effects might subside as your body adjusts to the tablets. More severe side effects can include confusion; lack of energy; black feces; cold or pale skin; pain in the stomach; trouble breathing; a bulging appearance to the stomach; or swelling of the face, mouth or lips. You may notice that your legs, feet, hands or arms tingle, burn or feel tight and you might experience a weak or heavy feeling in your legs. If you experience any of these serious side effects, call your doctor or seek emergency medical treatment.
Warning
Certain medications can interact with potassium tablets. Let your doctor know if you are taking a diuretic, ACE inhibitor, aldosterone blocker, anticholinergics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Taking a potassium supplement might worsen your condition if you have a high potassium level, diabetes, high blood pressure, scleroderma, muscle weakness, a heart or kidney condition, paralysis, adrenal disease or certain problems affecting the stomach, esophagus or intestines. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking potassium supplements only if you are under the supervision of a health care provider because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications.
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