Potassium Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information

Potassium is used to treat hypokalemia (low levels of potassium in the body) and mild hypertension (high blood pressure). Potassium is essential for the proper functioning of various vital organs such as the heart, kidney as well as muscles and nerves. Generally a well-balanced proper diet and exercise provide the necessary potassium to the body. However, extreme diet (anorexia or bulimia), diseases like colitis or other digestive disorders including diarrhea, kidney disease and the use of water-pills (diuretics) may deplete the body's supply of potassium, resulting in muscles weakness, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting and coma.

Potassium Side Effects

Potassium side effects include diarrhea, gas, nausea, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. Rare Potassium side effects may include hypotension (low blood pressure), fatigue, muscles weakness especially in the legs, rash, tingling and abnormal heart rhythms.

Potassium Side Effects Reporting

If you experience any Potassium side effects not mentioned abo
ve you should report it to your primary health care provider or FDA 1-800-FDA-1088 in the United States, Health Canada 1-866-225-0709 in Canada, MHRA 020 3080 6000 in UK, or TGA 1800 020 653 in Australia.

POTASSIUM OVERDOSE

Potassium overdose symptoms may include low blood pressure, fatigue, blood in stools, irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, breathing difficulties, confusion and heart attack.In case of Potassium overdose, seek medical help right away. If you miss a dose of Potassium, take it as soon as you can. However, if it is just about time for your next dose, skip the one you forgot and go on with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose of Potassium.

POTASSIUM AND PREGNANCY

Potassium is considered safe for pregnant and nursing women.

POTASSIUM CAUTION

Exercise can increase the amount of potassium in the body. Make sure to consult your physician before starting any new exercise program while taking Potassium.


Before using Potassium, tell your physician about any condition that you may have including dehydration, heat cramps, diabetes, heart problems, liver or kidney disease, ulcers, or severe burns.

POTASSIUM INTERACTION

Check with your physician before combining Potassium with the following:

Antispasmodic drugs
Blood pressure medications
Digitalis
Potassium-sparing diuretics (water-pills)


Use of excess salt may cause Potassium depletion.


Avoid using salt substitutes since they contain large amounts of Potassium.

POTASSIUM DOSES

Children
Consult your physician.

Adult
1600-2000 mg a day.
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