What is Klor-Con M20? Uses, warnings & side effects

Follow all the prescriber’s instructions. Do not use more than directed.

Take one or more doses daily.

• For low daily doses (≤20 mEq), the prescriber may ask you to take one dose daily. 

• For higher doses (>20 mEq), the prescriber will probably ask you to take two or more smaller doses during the day (usually one tablet per dose).

Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions about any special diet or supplements.

Take Klor-Con tablets with food or right after eating to avoid gastrointestinal problems.

Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water or other liquid.

For people who cannot swallow a tablet:

• Break the tablet in half and take each half with water. OR

• Place the tablet in half a glass of water and let it disintegrate. It takes about two minutes. When the tablet has disintegrated, stir the water for 30 seconds with a spoon. Briefly swirl the mixture and drink all of it. Add a little bit more water and drink that. Add a little bit of water again and drink that.

Store Klor-Con M20 at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

Take a dose as soon as possible. 

If it is almost time for your next dose, then take the next dose at its regular time and skip the missed dose. 

Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not safe for all people. 

Do not take potassium chloride ER if you have:

• High potassium levels

• Slow stomach emptying (gastroparesis)

• Compression of the esophagus

• Esophageal ulcers

Do not take Klor-Con if you’re also taking opioids or anticholinergic drugs.

The prescribing healthcare provider will do blood tests at regular visits to check potassium levels. Keep all appointments.

Tell other healthcare professionals treating you about taking Klor-Con.

Tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

• Kidney problems

• Swallowing problems

• Liver cirrhosis

• Digestive system problems

• Gastrointestinal bleeding

• Metabolic acidosis

Extended-release potassium chloride can cause serious problems, including:

• High potassium (hyperkalemia)

• Digestive system bleeding, ulcers, or perforation

Klor-Con M20 can cause high potassium in people who are dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids when taking this drug.

Because of the risk of high potassium, potassium chloride ER should not be taken with:

• Potassium-sparing diuretics (triamterene and amiloride are contraindicated for use with potassium chloride ER capsules)

• Potassium supplements

• Potassium salt substitutes

To avoid drug interactions, tell the prescriber about all the drugs and supplements being taken, particularly:

• Blood pressure drugs called ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen

• Potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone

• Potassium supplements 

• Multivitamin or mineral supplements that contain potassium

• Potassium salt substitutes

Tell other prescribers about Klor-Con treatment before they prescribe new medications.