Potassium Gluconate

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Do not chew or suck on a potassium tablet. It can irritate your mouth or throat. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass (at least 8 ounces) of water. Call your doctor if it feels like the tablet is getting stuck in your throat when you swallow it.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Liquid potassium should be mixed with water or fruit juice before taking. Follow the medicine label directions about how much water or juice to use.

Take this medication with food or just after a meal.

Your treatment may include a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you should eat or avoid to help control your condition.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested often. Your heart rate may also be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG) to measure electrical activity of the heart. This test will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with potassium. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking potassium suddenly, your condition may become worse.

Store potassium gluconate at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medication in a closed container.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include confusion, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling, chest pain, uneven heartbeat, or feeling like you might pass out.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Potassium Gluconate is used in the prevention of:

• Hypokalemia

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Potassium Gluconate may be found in some form under the following brand names:

• Kaon

• RenaKare

Potassium is a mineral that is found in many foods and is needed for several functions of your body, especially the beating of your heart.

Potassium gluconate is used to prevent or to treat low blood levels of potassium (hypokalemia). Potassium levels can be low as a result of a disease or from taking certain medicines, or after a prolonged illness with diarrhea or vomiting.

Potassium gluconate may also be used for other purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• confusion, anxiety, feeling like you might pass out;

• uneven heartbeat;

• extreme thirst, increased urination;

• leg discomfort;

• muscle weakness or limp feeling;

• numbness or tingly feeling in your hands or feet, or around your mouth;

• severe stomach pain, ongoing diarrhea or vomiting;

• black, bloody, or tarry stools; or

• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild nausea or upset stomach;

• mild or occasional diarrhea; or

• slight tingling in your hands or feet.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Capsule, Oral [preservative free]:

K-99: 595 mg [dye free, sugar free, yeast free]

Tablet, Oral:

Generic: 2 mEq, 2.5 mEq

Tablet, Oral [strength expressed as base]:

Generic: 80 mg

Dietary supplement: Oral: One tablet daily

No dosage adjustment provided in manufacturer’s labeling.

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of a high potassium level like a heartbeat that does not feel normal; change in thinking clearly and with logic; feeling weak, lightheaded, or dizzy; feel like passing out; numbness or tingling; or shortness of breath.
• Very hard stools (constipation).
• Very upset stomach or throwing up.
• Swelling of belly.
• Black, tarry, or bloody stools.
• Throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds.
• Very bad belly pain.