What is Potassium Chloride: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Potassium chloride is a generic supplement used to reverse or prevent low potassium, an electrolyte imbalance that can result in potentially serious complications. Administered as a tablet, capsule, oral solution, or injection, doses will vary. Side effects are comparatively mild and mostly involve gastrointestinal complaints.

Check our best Potassium Chloride prices

Potassium Chloride overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Klor-Con, K-Tab, PoKonza

Generic Names:

  • Potassium chloride

Uses:

  • Prevents and treats low potassium levels in the blood. Also available as a dietary supplement or salt substitute.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Nutriceutical, potassium supplement, electrolyte

Forms:

  • Extended-release tablet, extended-release capsule, powder for oral solution, oral solution, injection

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth, intravenous infusion

What is Potassium Chloride used for?

Prescription potassium chloride is used to treat or prevent low potassium (hypokalemia) when dietary changes and potassium-rich foods are not sufficient. In addition to its prescription use, consumers can purchase potassium chloride over the counter as a low-dose electrolyte supplement or salt substitute.

What form(s) does Potassium Chloride come in

  • Tablet (OTC)

    • 99 mg

  • Extended-release tablet (Rx)

    • 750 mg (10 mEq potassium)

    • 1,125 mg (15 mEq)

    • 1,500 mg (20 mEq)

  • Extended-release capsule (Rx)

    • 600 mg (8 mEq)

    • 750 mg (10 mEq)

  • Powder for oral solution (OTC)

    • 105 mg/serving

    • 365 mg/serving

    • 408 mg/serving

  • Powder for oral solution (Rx)

    • 750 mg (10 mEq)

    • 1,500 mg (20 mEq)

  • Oral solution (Rx)

    • 10% (20 mEq/15 mL, 40 mEq/30 mL)

  • Injection (Rx)

    • 746 mg/100 mL (10 mEq/100 mL)

    • 746 mg/50 mL (10 mEq/50 mL)

    • 1,490 mg/50 mL (20 mEq/50 mL)

    • 2 mEq/mL (concentrate for dilution)

What are common Potassium Chloride doses?

  • For low potassium (hypokalemia)

    • In adults: Dosages will vary based on potassium levels; standard dosage is 40 to 100 mEq/day in 2 to 5 divided doses with individual doses limited to 40 mEq

    • In children: Dosages will vary based on potassium levels; standard dosage is 2–4 mEq/kg per day taken in divided doses with individual doses limited to 1 mEq/kg or 20 mEq, whichever is lower

  • For the prevention of low potassium 

    • In adults: 20 mEq daily

    • In children: 1–2 mEq/kg daily

Common Potassium Chloride prescriptions

  • Potassium Chloride
    10ml of 2meq/ml ampule

  • Potassium Chloride
    100ml of 20meq/100ml bottle

  • Potassium Chloride
    100ml of 40meq/100ml bottle

  • Potassium Chloride
    473ml of 10% bottle

  • Potassium Chloride
    473ml of 20 meq/15ml(10%) bottle

  • Potassium Chloride
    473ml of 40 meq/15ml(20%) bottle

  • Potassium Chloride
    50ml of 20meq/50ml bottle

  • Potassium Chloride
    100 packet box

  • Potassium Chloride
    30 packet box

  • Potassium Chloride
    50 packet box

  • Potassium Chloride
    30ml of 20 meq/15ml(10%) cup

  • Potassium Chloride
    1 packet packet

  • Potassium Chloride
    30 packet packet

  • Potassium Chloride
    100ml of 10meq/100ml plas cont

  • Potassium Chloride
    50ml of 10meq/50ml plas cont

  • Potassium Chloride
    10ml of 2meq/ml vial

  • Potassium Chloride
    20ml of 2meq/ml vial

How to take Potassium Chloride

  • Your healthcare provider will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • If you are taking potassium chloride supplements without a prescription, follow the instructions carefully. Do not take more than the recommended dose.

  • Take potassium chloride with meals or immediately after a meal.

  • How to take potassium chloride tablets and capsules:

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

    • If you have trouble swallowing a capsule, open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on soft food like applesauce or pudding. Eat the food immediately with a full glass of water.

    • If you have trouble swallowing a tablet, you may be able to split an uncoated tablet into two doses or let the tablet disintegrate in a glass of water and take it that way. Talk to a healthcare provider or pharmacist first.

    • Do not crush, chew, or suck on a film-coated potassium chloride tablet. 

  • How to take potassium chloride oral solution:

    • Mix the powder or the liquid with at least one-half cup (4 ounces) of water or juice. 

    • Never eat the powder or drink the liquid version without mixing it with cold water first. You can damage your stomach.

    • Drink the mixture as soon as you mix it.

    • If the oral solution causes digestive system irritation, try diluting it with more liquid.

  • Store potassium chloride tablets, capsules, powder, or oral solution at room temperature, protected from light and moisture.

What to do if you miss a dose of Potassium Chloride

  • Ask the prescriber or pharmacist what to do in case a dose is missed. You may be taking doses several times a day.

  • Do not take a missed dose when it’s almost time for the next dose, and do not take double doses to make up for a missed dose.

Potassium Chloride contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. 

  • Do not take potassium chloride supplements if you are taking potassium-sparing diuretics called triamterene or amiloride.

Potassium Chloride warnings

  • Tell any healthcare provider or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine. 

  • Your healthcare provider will schedule regular appointments and perform blood tests to check the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • If you are taking potassium chloride supplements without a prescription, consider talking to a healthcare provider first.

    • Do not exceed the recommended dosage. Taking too much potassium can cause high potassium (hyperkalemia), a condition that could be as serious as low potassium.

  • Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have:

    • Kidney disease

    • Digestive system problems

    • Metabolic acidosis

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:

    • Potassium levels that are too high

    • Heart problems from high potassium levels

    • Bleeding or ulcers in the digestive system

    • Digestive system perforation

  • Read the ingredients. Do not use a potassium chloride product if you have a history of allergic reactions to the inactive ingredients in the product.

  • Keep potassium supplements out of the reach of children. This is particularly true of flavored and sweetened medicines, such as some potassium chloride powders for oral solution.

Potassium Chloride interactions

  • To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you are using before taking prescription or over-the-counter potassium chloride supplements.

  • Potassium chloride’s most serious drug interactions involve drugs that increase potassium levels in the body. The combination can significantly raise the risk of developing hyperkalemia. These include:

  • Never take potassium chloride with the potassium-sparing diuretics triamterene or amiloride.

  • Ask the healthcare provider about whether there are any restrictions on eating potassium-rich foods.

  • Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.

Potassium Chloride side effects

Serious side effects

Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:

  • Signs of high potassium: muscle weakness, tingling, nausea, vomiting, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain

  • Severe stomach or abdominal pain,  vomiting

  • Vomiting up blood or blood clots

  • Bloody or black, tarry stools

  • Throat pain, feeling as if a pill is stuck in the throat

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Gas

  • Abdominal discomfort or pain

  • Diarrhea

Sources:

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