What is prescription strength potassium?
Potassium chloride (Klor-Con) is used to treat low potassium levels, or to prevent potassium levels from going too low due to certain medical conditions or medications. Potassium levels are measured through a blood test.
Do potassium supplements require a prescription?
Injectable potassium is administered only by or under the supervision of your doctor. Some forms of oral potassium may be available in stores without a prescription. Since too much potassium may cause health problems, you should take potassium supplements only if directed by your doctor.
Can a doctor prescribe potassium?
However, if you take a diuretic that depletes potassium levels, such as hydrochlorothiazide or furosemide, your doctor may prescribe extended-release potassium tablets, which contain 600 to 750 mg of the mineral.
How do you know your potassium is low?
Deficiency typically occurs when your body loses a lot of fluid. Common signs and symptoms of potassium deficiency include weakness and fatigue, muscle cramps, muscle aches and stiffness, tingles and numbness, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties, digestive symptoms and mood changes.
What is prescribed for low potassium?
Potassium chloride is a supplement used to treat low blood levels of potassium, a condition called hypokalemia.
What are the side effects of taking potassium pills?
Potassium supplements do not usually cause side effects if they are taken as directed. Some mild side effects can occur, often due to taking the supplements without enough liquid. Side effects include gas, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort.
What are the side effects of potassium supplements?
Potassium Supplement Side Effects Potassium is a mineral concerned with the transmission of nerve signals, regulation of blood pressure and heartbeat, digestion, and muscle contraction. The excessive intake of its supplements can cause several side effects, such as an upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
What are side effects of oral potassium?
The most common adverse reactions to oral potassium salts are nausea, vomiting, flatulence, abdominal pain/discomfort and diarrhea. These symptoms are due to irritation of the gastrointestinal tract and are best managed by taking the dose with meals or reducing the amount taken at one time.
Is safe to take potasium pills?
In high doses, potassium can be dangerous . Do not take potassium supplements without talking to you doctor. At normal doses, potassium is fairly safe. It may cause an upset stomach. Some people have allergies to potassium supplements.