This medication is used to treat low potassium levels in the blood. It is also used to prevent low blood potassium that can occur with many conditions (e.g., treatment with water pills (diuretics), liver cirrhosis with water buildup in the abdomen, certain kinds of ongoing diarrhea). Low potassium levels can cause problems with the heart, kidneys, muscles, nerves, cell growth, and the way the body uses food. Keeping blood potassium at a normal level can prevent these problems.
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Overview | Photos | How
To Use | Side
Effects | Precautions | Missed
Dose | Drug
Interactions | |
Quick-K
Uses
This medication is used to treat low potassium levels in the blood. It is also used to prevent low blood potassium that can occur with many conditions (e.g., treatment with water pills (diuretics), liver cirrhosis with water buildup in the abdomen, certain kinds of ongoing diarrhea). Low potassium levels can cause problems with the heart, kidneys, muscles, nerves, cell growth, and the way the body uses food. Keeping blood potassium at a normal level can prevent these problems. Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood potassium levels, kidney function tests) should be performed from time to time to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
Storage
- Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- Keep the effervescent tablets in the aluminum packet until use.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Overdose
- Symptoms of overdose may include: mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, unexplained anxiety), irregular heartbeat, fainting, numbness/tingling in lips/hands/feet, fast breathing, weak/heavy feeling of the legs, unusual weakness, tiredness.
How
To Use - Dissolve the prescribed number of tablets in at least 3 ounces (90 milliliters) of cold water per tablet.
- Make sure the tablets are fully dissolved, then sip the mixture slowly over 5 to 10 minutes.
- Take this medication with or without food, usually 2-4 times daily or as directed by your doctor.
- Since potassium can cause stomach upset, it is best to eat a small meal before taking the mixture.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
- To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.Inform your doctor if you have symptoms of too little potassium in your blood (e.g., tiredness, weakness, nausea, sleepiness, loss of appetite, swelling, inability to make concentrated urine, heart rhythm problems)
Side
Effects - Stomach pain/upset, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur.If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, unexplained anxiety), irregular heartbeat, fainting, numbness/tingling in lips/hands/feet, fast breathing, weak/heavy feeling of the legs, unusual weakness, tiredness.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
- Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
- Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: high blood potassium due to certain conditions (e.g., sudden dehydration, hyperkalemic familial periodic paralysis, high blood chloride).Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain types of kidney problems (e.g., chronic renal failure), high blood acid level (e.g., diabetic ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis), severe burns over a large part of the body, adrenal gland problems (e.g., adrenal insufficiency), stomach ulcer, certain heart rhythm problems (e.g., atrioventricular block), severely slowed digestive system (e.g., gastroparesis).Since potassium is removed by the kidneys, and kidney function decreases as you grow older, caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may develop high blood potassium levels more quickly and easily.This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.Potassium passes into breast milk.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed
Dose - If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is less than 2 hours before the time for your next dose.
- In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug
Interactions - Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it.
- Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious (possibly fatal) interactions may occur: spironolactone, triamterene.If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting this potassium supplement.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: salt substitutes containing potassium, digoxin, ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, benazepril, enalapril), angiotensin-receptor blockers (e.g., losartan, valsartan), drospirenone, eplerenone.
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CONDITIONS
OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information
is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions
or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular
drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional
should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or
discontinuing any course of treatment. |