What is Potassium Chloride ER: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

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

For low daily doses (<40 mg), the prescriber may ask you to take one dose daily. For higher doses (≥40 mg), 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 problems.

Please read the drug information sheet that comes with this medicine, particularly the Dosage and Administration section. It has valuable information about how to take the tablet or capsule and advice for those who can’t swallow the tablet or capsule. 

Swallow the tablet or capsule whole with a drink of water.

For people who cannot swallow a tablet:

• One option is to break the tablet in half and take each half with a drink of water.

• Another option is to dissolve the tablet in half a glass of water. It will take about two minutes for the entire tablet to dissolve. After it has dissolved, stir the water with a spoon for 30 seconds. Briefly swirl the mixture and drink it completely down. Add a little bit more water and drink that. Add a little bit of water again and drink that.

For people who cannot swallow a capsule:

• Open the capsule. 

• Pour the contents into a small amount of soft food such as applesauce, yogurt, or pudding.

• Stir the mixture well.

• Swallow the mixture without chewing. 

If you mix the medicine in water or soft food, do not prepare the mixture until ready to take the dose. Do not save the mixture for later use.

Store potassium chloride tablets or 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.

Potassium chloride ER contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. 

• Do not take potassium chloride ER if you have high potassium levels.

• Do not take solid forms of potassium chloride if you have a medical condition that slows down the passage of the pill through the esophagus or stomach. Some examples of conditions that can slow down the esophagus or stomach include:

• Gastroparesis

• Diabetic gastroparesis

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

• Esophageal strictures

• Eosinophilic esophagitis

• Esophageal ulcers

• 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 high-dose potassium supplements.

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

• Kidney problems

• Severe liver problems including cirrhosis

• Digestive system problems

• Gastrointestinal bleeding

• Metabolic acidosis

Extended-release potassium chloride can cause serious problems including:

• High potassium (hyperkalemia)

• Bleeding or ulcers in the digestive system

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) as well as aliskiren or eplerenone

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen

• Potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone

• Potassium supplements or multivitamin and mineral supplements

• Potassium salt substitutes

Tell other prescribers about taking high-dose potassium supplements before they prescribe new medications.