What is Potassium Chloride CRYS ER? Uses, warnings & side effects

Follow all the prescriber’s instructions. 

For low daily doses (<40 mEq), the prescriber may ask you to take one dose daily. For higher doses (≥40 mEq), the prescriber will probably ask you to take two smaller doses during the day. Follow the prescriber’s dosage instructions.

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

Take this medicine with food or right after eating to avoid digestive system side effects.

Swallow the capsule whole with a drink of water.

For people who cannot swallow the capsule:

• Open the capsule. 

• Pour the contents into a small amount of soft food (not hot) such as applesauce, yogurt, or pudding.

• Stir the mixture well.

• Swallow the mixture immediately without chewing. 

Store potassium chloride ER capsules at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

Ask the prescriber or pharmacist what to do if a dose is missed.

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

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not take potassium chloride crys ER if you have: 

• High potassium levels.

• Gastroparesis

• Diabetic gastroparesis

• Some nerve disorders, like Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis

• Esophageal strictures

• Eosinophilic esophagitis

• Esophageal ulcers

• Any other condition that slows down the digestive system

• Some types of drugs, like opioids or anticholinergic drugs

Potassium chloride treatment requires regular monitoring and blood tests. Keep all appointments.

Tell other healthcare providers who treat you that you are taking extended-release potassium chloride.

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

• Kidney problems

• Severe liver problems 

• Digestive system problems

• Gastrointestinal bleeding

• Metabolic acidosis

Potassium chloride ER can cause serious problems, including:

• High potassium (hyperkalemia)

• Bleeding or ulcers in the digestive system

Never take potassium chloride with triamterene or amiloride.

To prevent high potassium, avoid taking potassium chloride ER with:

• Potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone

• Potassium supplements

• Potassium salt substitutes

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

• Blood pressure drugs called ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), as well as aliskiren or eplerenone

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen

Tell other prescribers about taking potassium chloride ER before they prescribe new medications.