Potassium

Text size:  |  Print  |   | 

What is Potassium?

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.



Brand Name

Glu-



Other Names



What is Potassium?

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How

Swallow extended-release tablets and capsules whole. Do not chew them or dissolve them in your mouth.

Side Effects

  • upset stomach
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • mental confusion
  • listlessness
  • tingling, prickling, burning, tight, or pulling sensation of arms, hands, legs, or feet
  • heaviness or weakness of legs
  • cold, pale, gray skin
  • stomach pain
  • unusual stomach bulging
  • black stools
  • http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html
  • Precautions

    Before taking potassium,
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to potassium or any other drugs.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec),and lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril); diuretics ('water pills'); and vitamins. Do not take potassium if you are taking amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), or triamterene (Dyrenium).
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, kidney, or Addison's (adrenal gland) disease.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking potassium, call your doctor.
  • if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking potassium.
  • Overdose

    In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

    What If I Forget

    Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

    Storage

    Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

    Dietary Restrictions

    If you are using a salt substitute, tell your doctor. Many salt substitutes contain potassium. Your doctor will consider this source in determining your dose of potassium supplement. Your doctor may advise you to use a potassium-containing salt substitute and to eat potassium-rich foods (e.g., bananas, prunes, raisins, and milk).

    Miscellaneous

    It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

    Content provided by:

    The AHFS MedMaster Consumer Medication Information CMI® database is copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. © 2008, ASHP, Bethesda, Maryland 20814. All Rights Reserved. Duplication must be expressly authorized by ASHP, unless such duplication consists of printing or downloading portions of the data inherent in the program for non-commercial use. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the database provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such database and specifically disclaims all such warranties and representations. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the database is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug in the database. The information contained in the database is not a substitute for medical care.

    Potassium Articles

    • About Low Potassium

      ...ical condition in which blood levels of potassium are too low. This condition can be caused by several medical conditions or inadequate dietary intake of potassium. Because this condition can ...

    • How to Take Liquid Potassium

      Mixed the prescribed dosage of potassium chloride into water, juice or soup broth. You should use at least 8 oz. of fluid, but anything over that amount is acceptable.

    • Foods That Have the Most Potassium

      Potassium is a nutrient that serves several purposes in the body. It helps facilitate muscle contractions, regulates fluid balance, keeps blood pressure under control and helps with carbon dioxide...

    • Foods With No Potassium

      Potassium is readily available in meats, vegetables and fruits, which helps guarantee an adequate supply of this essential mineral. Potassium is needed for the healthy functioning of cells, nerves,...

    Show More

    Images provided by Google

    Related Symptoms

    • Muscle cramps

      Muscle cramps are involuntary and often painful contractions (movements) of the muscles.

    • Peripheral Artery Disease

      Peripheral artery disease is a problem with blood flow in the arteries, usually the legs. Poor circulation and blocka...

    • Muscle function loss

      Muscle function loss is when a muscle doesn't work or move normally. The medical term for complete loss of muscle fun...

    • Leg pain

      Leg pain is a common symptom and complaint.For more specific information, see: Foot painKnee painJoint painHip painMu...

    Show More

    Food for Thought

    celery, raw

    ...itamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folate, Potassium and Manganese. The bad: This food is high in Sodium, and a la...

    Calories: 6     Fat: .07g     Cholesterol: 0mg     Sodium: 32mg     Total Carbohydrates: 1.19g     Fiber: .6g     Sugars: .73g     Protein: .28g     Vitamin C: 2%    

    Papayas

    ... andpantothenic acid; and the minerals, potassium and magnesium; and fiber.Together, these nutrients promote the h...

    Calories: 55     Fat: 0g     Cholesterol: 0mg     Sodium: 4mg     Total Carbohydrates: 14g     Fiber: 3g     Sugars: 8g     Protein: 1g     Vitamin C: 144.0000%    

    Fuze Fuze Slenderize Tropical Punch

    ..., Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Acesulfame Potassium, Dragonfruit Extract, Sucralose, L-Carnitine, Chromium Polynicot...

    Calories: 5     Fat: 0g     Cholesterol:     Sodium: 5mg     Total Carbohydrates: 1g     Fiber:     Sugars: 0g     Protein: 0g     Vitamin C: 100%    

    Cucumber Slices

    ...3g Cholesterol 0mg Sodium 0.665mg Potassium 49.21mg Total Carb .831g Dietary Fiber .233g Protein 0.19g

    Calories: 11     Fat: 0.04g     Cholesterol: 0mg     Sodium: 0.57mg     Total Carbohydrates: 0.78g     Fiber: .233g     Sugars:     Protein: 0.2g     Vitamin C:    

    Coca Cola Diet Coke (can)

    ...amel color, aspartame, phosphoric acid, potassium benzoate (to protect taste), natural flavors, citric acid, caffe...

    Calories: 0     Fat: 0g     Cholesterol: 0mg     Sodium: 40mg     Total Carbohydrates: 0g     Fiber:     Sugars:     Protein: 0g     Vitamin C:    

    Soy Protein Isolate, Potassium Type, Crude Protein Basis

    Calories: 91     Fat: 0.1g     Cholesterol: 0mg     Sodium: 14mg     Total Carbohydrates: 0.7g     Fiber: 0.6g     Sugars: 0g     Protein: 24.99g     Vitamin C: 0.0000%    

    Show More

    Related Drugs

    • Potassium

      This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

    • Penicillin V Potassium Oral

      This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

    • Ticarcillin Disodium and Clavulanate Potassium Injection

      It is important that you use your medication exactly as directed. Do not stop your therapy on your own for any reason...

    • Penicillin G Potassium or Sodium Injection

      It is important that you use your medication exactly as directed. Do not stop your therapy on your own for any reason...

    Show More

    Related Diseases

    • Periodic paralysis with hypokalemia

      Periodic paralysis with hypokalemia is a type of paralysis that comes and goes.See also: Familial periodic paralysis

    • Hyperkalemia

      ... caused by higher than normal levels of potassium in the bloodstream.

    • Hypokalemia

      ...alemia is a lower-than-normal amount of potassium in the blood. It may result from a number of conditions.

    • Bartter syndrome

      ...le with Bartter syndrome have a loss of potassium (hypokalemic alkalosis) and a rise in the hormone aldosterone.Se...

    • Hypokalemic periodic paralysis

      Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is an inherited disorder that causes occasional episodes of muscle weakness.It is one ...

    • Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis

      Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is a condition in which there are episodes of muscle weakness in people with high level...

    Show More

    Related Surgeries

    • Exchange transfusion

      An exchange transfusion requires that the patient's blood can be removed and replaced. In most cases, this involves p...

    Vitamins

    • Guayule

      Guayule (Parthenium argentatum) is native to the southwestern United States and may be a natural source of hypoallerg...

    • Quassia

      Quassia is a tall tree that grows in Jamaica and on neighboring islands. Quassia has traditionally been used as a rem...

    • Cascara (Rhamnus purshianus)

      Cascara is obtained from the dried bark of Rhamnus purshianus (Rhamnaceae), both a medicinal and poisonous plant foun...

    • Iodine

      Iodine is an element that the human body needs to make thyroid hormones. Chronic iodine deficiency can cause many hea...

    Show More

    Related Tests

    • Potassium test

      This test measures the amount of Potassium in the blood. Potassium (K+) helps nerves and muscles communicate. It also...

    • Potassium - urine

      The potassium urine test measures the amount of potassium in the urine.

    • Electrolytes - urine

      ...asures the levels of calcium, chloride, Potassium, or sodium.See also:Calcium - urineChloride - urinePotassium - u...

    • Skin lesion KOH exam

      The skin lesion KOH exam is a test to diagnose a fungal infection of the skin.

    Show More

    Related Poisons

    • Potassium hydroxide poisoning

      ...s poisoning from swallowing or touching potassium hydroxide or products that contain this chemical.This is for inf...

    • Potassium carbonate poisoning

      Potassium carbonate is a white powder used to make soap, glass, and other items. This article discusses poisoning fro...

    • Lily-of-the-valley

      Lily-of-the-valley is a flowering plant. Lily-of-the-valley poisoning occurs when someone eats parts of this plant.Th...

    • Cardiac glycoside overdose

      Cardiac glycosides are a class of medications used to treat heart failure. Cardiac glycoside overdose occurs when som...

    • Foxglove poisoning

      Foxglove poisoning usually occurs from sucking the flowers or eating the seeds, stems, or leaves of the foxglove plan...

    • Oleander

      Oleander poisoning occurs when someone sucks nectar from the flowers or chews leaves from the oleander or yellow olea...

    Show More

    Conversations On Potassium

    • Potassium


      • Posted On February 18, 2009 04:35:42 AM

        ...yone suggest what I can eat to boost my potassium intake. I know Bananas have potassium but I guess I'm lacking. I keep getting muscle spasms in my calves at night and someone told me its becaus... Read More

      • Posted On February 18, 2009 05:40:53 AM

        ...celery, and carrot juice have a lot of potassium. I also take a potassium supplement as you loose a lot of potassium through exercise. Read More

    • Potassium

      What are some good sources for potassium? It Looks like I'm repeatedly, short on the stuff.

      • Posted On April 17, 2007 04:09:27 PM

        ...some ideas: http://nhnh.essortment.com/potassiumfoodh_rkyn.htm Almost every morning, I have a banana or an apricot when they are in season Read More

      • Posted On April 17, 2007 04:09:27 PM

        ...some ideas: http://nhnh.essortment.com/potassiumfoodh_rkyn.htm Almost every morning, I have a banana or an apricot when they are in season Read More

    • Potassium


      • Posted On February 13, 2007 12:39:40 PM

        I'd like to be able to track potassium in my diet. Is there a way to tease this nutrition value from somewhere? Read More

      • Posted On February 13, 2007 04:42:43 PM

        Good Luck on tracking potassium. Since their are no USDA guidelines on how much potassium is needed, the food processers do not have to label them on packages of food. What I wound up doing was... Read More

    • Need more potassium


      • Posted On October 1, 2008 08:16:45 AM

        ... nutrition label and I am always low on potassium. Like really low...down around 20-25% RDA. I suffer from fatigue and leg cramps and I am wondering if I have a potassium defiency. I asked my ... Read More

      • Posted On October 1, 2008 09:21:15 AM

        ...e salt, then your probably deficient in potassium. Fruits and vegetables are high in potassium and low in sodium. So if your eating a natural diet and not adding too much table salt you should b... Read More

    • Potassium: now much is too much.


      • Posted On February 4, 2008 09:42:44 PM

        I recently started taking a potassium supplement because it appeared that I was not getting enough in my diet per my personal nutrition label on TDP. While searching on the internet to find foods, ... Read More

      • Posted On February 5, 2008 06:24:40 AM

        ... Its pretty impossible to have too much potassium (unless you have kidney problems)...but the RDI is between 1950 to 5460 mg. If you're getting enough in your diet, maybe you should stop taking ... Read More

    • potassium??


      • Posted On May 30, 2008 12:28:46 PM

        ...out fruits where am I suppose to get my potassium from. Should i take a supplement? None of the foods I'm eating seem to have any potassium in them. What can I eat? I really dont want to take a ... Read More

      • Posted On May 30, 2008 12:33:19 PM

        ...one of the foods you are eating contain potassium? Sometimes it is not always on the label. If you are really concerned, you should speak with a doctor or registered dietitian. Read More

    Show More

    Potassium Blogs

    Exploding Potassium

      I haven’t done much playing with different elements of the periodic table but Potassium seems like fun. Why were there no learning environments like the Periodic Table of Videos when I was growing up? This interweb thing is making learning...

    Increase Daily Potassium

    For years I have studied the importance of potassium in the diet and finally some people in the medical community are starting to give proper credit to a mineral that is so important that the heart itself could not beat without it. Potassium is found in...

    Hydrate & Recover With Potassium

    Potatoes, milk, yogurt and bananas are among many great sources of potassium. See THIS Runner's World story on how potassium helps balance fluid and electrolyte levels in your body.

    Foods High In Potassium

    From time to time I receive emails from people who have read previous blog posts I have written about the little reported problem of low potassium in some people. Many of those emails asked me what foods are highest in potassium content, so I decided to...

    Show More

    Write for LIVESTRONG.COM

    Write for us

    Do you work in health, fitness or nutrition? Share your expertise by writing for LIVESTRONG.COM

    Learn More

    Potassium Topic Guide

    Advisor

    Name Your name here

    Profession What do you do?

    What makes this topic important to you: Did you train for this? Do you work in this profession? Are you affected by this topic?

    Is this topic important to you?

    Do you know a lot about it? Become a guide and lead the conversation on this topic. Be a Guide

    advertisement

    Connect With People Who Have Potassium

    avatar

    Write for LIVESTRONG.COM

    Write for us

    Do you work in health, fitness or nutrition? Share your expertise by writing for LIVESTRONG.COM

    Learn More

    Talk

    decaptain: Eating out? Beware of sodium-loaded food. If you eat out, eat something high in potassium. It'll help kidney's eliminate excess salt. #diet

    dashernandez: Lack of potassium eat a banana it will stop RT @NotoriACE: My left eye has been twitching at random times during the past 5 days...why? Uhhh

    hariguchi: 9 92 6 19: fluorine, uranium, carbon, potassium. Got it? :-) #fb

    Chodidees: @DannaBananas you get an automatic #FF when I saw your twitter and your profile pic at the same time! Go potassium!

    abbeyflesner: monkeys would be jealous with how much potassium i've consumed today.



    Tools

    Track your daily calories. See how many calories you burn and consume.

    BMI is a measurement of body fat based on height and weight.

    Map your local running, cycling, walking and hiking routes and track your calorie burn.

    Find us on the web, receive emails and use our mobile app to keep you motivated.

    This tool will help you to decide whether to treat at home or see a doctor.