warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Potassium Chloride (Kato)?

You should not use potassium chloride if you are allergic to it, or if:

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

you have high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia); or
you take a "potassium-sparing" diuretic (water pill) such as amiloride, spironolactone, or triamterene.

heart problems;
high blood pressure;
liver or kidney disease;
a large tissue injury such as a severe burn;
an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of calcium or magnesium in your blood);
trouble swallowing;
slow digestion;
stomach bleeding, an ulcer, or a blockage in your stomach or intestines;
an adrenal gland disorder;
diabetes; or
severe dehydration.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Potassium Chloride (Kato)?

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

Stop using potassium chloride and call your doctor at once if you have:

severe throat irritation;
chest pain, trouble breathing;
pain, burning, bruising, swelling, irritation, or skin changes where the medicine was injected;
stomach bloating, severe vomiting, severe stomach pain;
high potassium level--nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement; or
signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
gas, stomach pain; or
the appearance of a potassium chloride tablet in your stool.

Common side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Potassium Chloride (Kato)?

Use Potassium Chloride (Kato) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Potassium chloride is taken by mouth. Potassium chloride is given as a slow infusion into a vein. oralinjection

A healthcare provider will give you this medicine by if you have severely low potassium levels. Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when potassium chloride is injected. injection

Do not crush, chew, or suck on a potassium tablet or capsule. Sucking on the pill could irritate your mouth or throat.

Measure carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). liquid medicineMix the oral solution with least 4 ounces of water before taking it.

You may need to follow a special diet while using potassium chloride. Follow all instructions of your doctor or dietitian. Learn about the foods to eat or avoid to help control your condition.

You may need frequent medical tests. Your heart function may need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG). Even if you have no symptoms, tests can help your doctor determine if this medicine is effective.

Some are made with a shell that is not absorbed or melted in the body. Part of this shell may appear in your stool. This is normal and will not make the medicine less effective. tablets

Take potassium chloride with food if the medicine upsets your stomach. oral

Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving this medicine to a child.

Take the or with a full glass of water. tabletcapsule

Call your doctor if you have trouble swallowing a potassium chloride capsule or tablet. You may be able to dissolve the tablet in water, or mix the medicine from a capsule with soft food. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions.

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

What should I do if I missed a dose of Potassium Chloride (Kato)?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. take two doses at one time. Do not

Overdose Signs

What happens if I overdose on Potassium Chloride (Kato)?

Overdose symptoms may include stomach pain, vomiting, irregular heartbeats, chest pain, muscle weakness, loss of movement, numbness or tingling, or feeling light-headed.

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Potassium Chloride (Kato), call your doctor or the Poison Control center

(800) 222-1222

If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Potassium Chloride (Kato), call 911

911

What to Expect

Potassium chloride in extended-release form (tablets or capsules) is released slowly in the body over several hours to lessen the risk of stomach irritation. It also comes in oral liquid, powder, granules, effervescent tablets, and regular tablets.

Typically, you’ll take potassium chloride daily until your potassium levels reach a normal range.

Tell your doctor if you experience any unusual side effects while taking potassium chloride, and monitor your potassium blood levels according to your doctor’s recommendations.