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Overview

Potassium

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor not required

About Potassium

Potassium is used as a dietary supplement in patients who lack it in their daily diet. Decreased amount of phosphorus in the diet is usually caused by illnesses and diseases. It also stops the growth of calcium stones in the urinary tract.

Potassium is a mineral that plays a vital role in many bodily functions, for instance, the transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contractions, fluid balance in the body, and various chemical reactions. It is commonly found in dried fruits, cereals, beans, milk and vegetables.

Healthcare providers administer potassium intravenously, to prevent and to treat low potassium levels, irregular heartbeats, and cardiac arrests. It is also available in the form of tablets, as a mineral supplement. The normal intake of Potassium should be 40-80 mEq per day.

Potassium is generally considered to be safe for people. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset and intestinal gas, among others. However, high levels of potassium are unsafe and can cause tingling, burning, paralysis, weakness, dizziness, disorientation, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and ultimately, death.

Potassium is safe to be taken by pregnant or nursing women in normal amounts of up to 90 mEq per day, from their food sources and their supplements, combined. Patients with gastrointestinal tract disorders the delay or arrest the movement of food and absorption of nutrients into the system must not take Potassium.

Persons who are allergic to any of the components of Potassium must not take the medicine. Use Potassium with caution in patients with renal disease, hyperkalemia, cardiac disease, metabolic alkalosis. This medicine must be administered in patients with adequate urine flow.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Hematologist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Potassium

    • Nutritional Deficiencies

    • Inflammation Of Gums

    • Dental Cavities

    • Hypersensitivity

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Hematologist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Potassium ?

    • Allergy

    • Hyperkalemia

    • Severe Liver/Kidney Damage

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Hematologist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Potassium ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Hematologist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Potassium

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      No interaction found

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      Unknown. Human and animal studies are not available. Please consult your doctor.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      Unknown. Human and animal studies are not available. Please consult your doctor.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Hematologist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Are there any missed dose instructions?

      If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Hematologist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Potassium

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Potassium as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Hematologist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    Potassium Potassium causes and electrical impulse in the cells. This function is known as a spike. It is an integral part of bodily functions such as neurotransmission , heart pumping and muscle contraction.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Hematologist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Potassium ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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      • Interaction with Medicine

        Increased effect/levels with potassium-sparing diuretics, salt substitutes, ACE inhibitors

      FAQs about Potassium

      • Ques : What is Potassium?

        Ans : Potassium is a nutrient primarily used as a dietary supplement to overcome nutritional deficiencies.

      • Ques : What are the uses of Potassium?

        Ans : Potassium is used for Nutritional Deficiencies, Inflammation Of Gums, Dental Cavities and Hypersensitivity.

      • Ques : What are the side effects of Potassium?

        Ans : Muscle weakness, Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation), Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness) are some of the common side effects that may occur after taking this drug.

      • Ques : Is Potassium a strong electrolyte?

        Ans : The chloride form of Potassium is a very strong electrolyte.

      • Ques : Is Potassium safe?

        Ans : Potassium is safe to use as a supplement only if it is used in dose and duration as recommended by a medical expert.

      • Ques : Are there any storage instructions for Potassium?

        Ans : This medication should be stored in a cool and dry place. Keep it away from the reach of pets and small children. Do not refrigerate this medicine.

      • Ques : Can I take Potassium twice in case I missed a dose?

        Ans : Do not take an overdose of this drug as it may cause adverse effects. In case you missed a dose, skip it and take the next schedule dose on time.

      • Ques : I have high blood pressure. Can I consume Potassium?

        Ans : Do not take this drug if you have high blood pressure or heart problems as it can worsen your condition.

      • Ques : Who should not consume Potassium?

        Ans : Avoid using this medicine if you have Addison disease (adrenal gland disorder), severe tissue injury such as burn, dehydration, blockage of stomach or intestine and diarrhea.

      • Ques : Is Potassium safe to be used by pregnant women?

        Ans : This medication is completely safe to use in pregnant women, if taken in the exact dose as prescribed to you.

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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