K-Tabs

• It is used to treat or prevent low potassium levels.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take K-Tabs?

• If you have an allergy to potassium chloride or any other part of this medicine (K-Tabs).
• If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• If you have high potassium levels.
• If you are taking any of these drugs: Amiloride, eplerenone, spironolactone, or triamterene.
• If you have any of these health problems: A bowel block, slow-moving GI (gastrointestinal) tract, or slow stomach clearing.
• If you have heart disease with swallowing tube (esophagus) problems.
• If you take other drugs called anticholinergics, like ipratropium or oxybutynin. Ask your doctor if you are not sure if any of your drugs are anticholinergic.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (K-Tabs).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (K-Tabs) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take K-Tabs?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (K-Tabs). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• Do not take more than what your doctor told you to take. Taking more than you are told may raise your chance of very bad side effects.
• If your diet has low-salt foods or you are taking a salt substitute, talk with your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is this medicine (K-Tabs) best taken?

Use this medicine (K-Tabs) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take this medicine (K-Tabs) with food.
• Take with a full glass of water.
• Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
• Do not suck on this product.
• If you have trouble swallowing, talk with your doctor.
• Some products may be broken in half or the whole tablet may be mixed with a 1/2 cup of water. Check with your doctor to see if you can take your product this way. If you can mix your product with water, drink the mixture right away. Rinse cup with more water and drink. Rinse again and drink to be sure all the drug is taken.
• Swallow the mixture right away. Do not store for use at a later time.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of a high potassium level like a heartbeat that does not feel normal; change in thinking clearly and with logic; feeling weak, lightheaded, or dizzy; feel like passing out; numbness or tingling; or shortness of breath.
• Slow heartbeat.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Signs of bowel problems like black, tarry, or bloody stools; fever; mucus in the stools; throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds; or very bad stomach pain, constipation, or diarrhea.
• Swelling of belly.

What are some other side effects of K-Tabs?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Stomach pain or diarrhea.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Gas.
• Some products of potassium are in a wax matrix; you may see this in stool. The potassium has been taken into the body, but the wax has not.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out K-Tabs?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Protect from light.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer information use

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
• Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (K-Tabs), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

More about K-Tab (potassium chloride)

• Side Effects
• During Pregnancy
• Dosage Information
• Drug Images
• Drug Interactions
• Pricing & Coupons
• En Español
• 1 Review
• Generic Availability
• Drug class: minerals and electrolytes
• FDA Alerts (2)

Consumer resources

Other brands: Klor-Con, K-Dur, Micro-K, Kaon-CI, Rum-K

Professional resources

Related treatment guides

• Hypokalemia
• Prevention of Hypokalemia