Potassium Chloride

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Also indexed as:

K-Dur, Kaochlor, Klor-Con, Klorvess, Slow-K

Potassium chloride is a prescription drug used to replace potassium in people with low blood levels of potassium, to prevent potassium depletion in specific diseases or resulting from specific drug therapies, and to help lower mild high blood pressure in some people. Potassium chloride is also available without prescription in some supplements and in salt substitutes found in grocery stores. While potassium depletion is a health risk, high levels of potassium are also associated with health risks. Potassium-containing drugs should be used only under medical supervision. The potassium found in fruit is both safe and healthful for most people, except those taking potassium-sparing diuretic drugs and individuals with kidney failure.

Herbs

Summary of Interactions for Potassium Chloride

Depletion or interference	None known
Adverse interaction	None known
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known
Other (see text)	Digitalis Salt substitutes

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Supplements

Salt substitutes

Salt substitutes (No Salt®, Salt Substitute®, Lite Salt®, and others) contain potassium chloride in place of sodium chloride. They are used by people on sodium-restricted diets. When used in moderation, they are a more healthful choice for many people compared with using regular table salt. However, people taking potassium chloride drug products should consult with their prescribing doctor before using salt substitutes¹ or even eating large amounts of high-potassium foods (primarily fruit).

Interactions with Herbs

Digitalis (Digitalis lanata, Digitalis purpurea)

Digitalis refers to a family of plants commonly called foxglove that contain digitalis glycosides, chemicals with actions and toxicities similar to the prescription drug digoxin. Low serum potassium increases the risk of digitalis toxicity.² People using digitalis-containing products should have their potassium status monitored by the healthcare professional overseeing the digitalis therapy.

Other Interactions

Food

Potassium chloride drugs should be taken after meals to avoid stomach upset.³ Potassium-containing salt substitutes, however, are meant to be taken with food. Tablets should be swallowed whole and chewing or crushing should be avoided.⁴ Liquid, powder, and effervescent potassium chloride products may be dissolved in a glass of cold water or juice to mask the unpleasant flavor.⁵

References

1. Threlkeld DS, ed. Nutritional Products, Minerals and Electrolytes, Oral, Potassium Replacement Products. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Jul 1992, 15-6c.
2. Threlkeld DS, ed. Nutritional Products, Minerals and Electrolytes, Oral, Potassium Replacement Products. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Jul 1992, 15-6c.
3. Threlkeld DS, ed. Nutritional Products, Minerals and Electrolytes, Oral, Potassium Replacement Products. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Jul 1992, 15-6c.
4. Threlkeld DS, ed. Nutritional Products, Minerals and Electrolytes, Oral, Potassium Replacement Products. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Jul 1992, 15-6c.
5. Threlkeld DS, ed. Nutritional Products, Minerals and Electrolytes, Oral, Potassium Replacement Products. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Jul 1992, 15-6c.

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Last Review: 09-01-2007

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires September 2008.

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