What are the side effects of taking potassium pills?

What are the side effects of taking potassium pills?

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.

What is the best time to take potassium?

It is best to take this medicine with a meal or bedtime snack, or within 30 minutes after meals. Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not break, crush, chew, or suck it. Doing so, may cause irritation in the mouth or throat.

What medications should not be taken with potassium?

The following medications may cause potassium levels to decrease:

• Thiazide diuretics. Hydrochlorothiazide. Chlorothiazide (Diuril)
• Loop diuretics. Furosemide (Lasix)
• Corticosteroids.
• Amphotericin B (Fungizone)
• Antacids.
• Insulin.
• Fluconazole (Diflucan): Used to treat fungal infections.
• Theophylline (TheoDur): Used for asthma.

How do you tell if your potassium levels are high?

What are the symptoms of hyperkalemia (high potassium)?

• Abdominal (belly) pain and diarrhea.
• Chest pain.
• Heart palpitations or arrhythmia (irregular, fast or fluttering heartbeat).
• Muscle weakness or numbness in limbs.
• Nausea and vomiting.

How do you treat high potassium?

Treatment

1. Calcium given into your veins (IV) to treat the muscle and heart effects of high potassium levels.
2. Glucose and insulin given into your veins (IV) to help lower potassium levels long enough to correct the cause.
3. Kidney dialysis if your kidney function is poor.

What should I eat if my potassium is high?

Food Sources of Potassium

• Bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, honeydew, apricots, grapefruit (some dried fruits, such as prunes, raisins, and dates, are also high in potassium)
• Cooked spinach.
• Cooked broccoli.
• Potatoes.
• Sweet potatoes.
• Mushrooms.
• Peas.
• Cucumbers.

Does drinking water help high potassium?

Some people may also need medicine to help remove extra potassium from the body and keep it from coming back. This may include: Water pills (diuretics) help rid your body of extra potassium. They work by making your kidney create more urine.