Potassium Chloride Side-effects

Potassium chloride is an important mineral required by the body for various reasons. It is therefore important for you to maintain an optimum level in the body. In case the potassium chloride level in the body is found to be low, the doctor would prescribe medicines to make it regain the optimal level. However, there are certain side effects which you need to be careful about before starting the medication.

Understanding KCl

Potassium chloride (KCI) is a chemical compound which is made up of potassium and chlorine and is mostly used in the production of fertilizers for plants. In the human body, this natural salt's most important function is to keep the heart beating. A balanced diet, provides the body with sufficient amount of it. Hypokalemia, a common disease caused due to low levels of Potassium in the body, is treated with tablets. This medicine can be taken orally or at times, can also be injected. Kaon CI, Micro-K, K-Dur and Klor-Con are a few major brands which manufacture controlled potassium releasing tablets. Like all medicines, there are a few side effects of potassium chloride tablets as well.

Precautions

Before starting with the medication, one needs to inform his doctor in case of any of the following:

• Any kidney disease or a kidney failure
• Any large tissue injury like a severe burn or cut
• Heart diseases or high blood pressure problems
• A stomach or intestine blockage
• Severe diarrhea or constipation
• Adrenal gland problems like Addison's disease
• Severe dehydration
• Allergies to any medicines or if you are on any medication currently

The doctor may alter the dose a little bit or even ask you to undergo certain tests for safety purposes in case you have any of the above mentioned problems. Although the possibility of potassium chloride side effects cannot be completely eliminated even after the tests, there are chances that the precautionary tests ensures that these medicines cause minimum discomfort.

Side Effects

There is no need to be overly worried as there are chances that one may not even be affected by any of these. In around 80% of cases, it has been observed that the patients do not suffer from any problems. The possible side effects include:

• Pain in the legs
• Weakness of the muscles
• Uneven heartbeat
• Anxiety, confusion or a feeling of dizziness
• Constant diarrhea or pain in the stomach
• Excessive vomiting
• Dark or blackish stools
• Tingling on your hands or feet
• Dizziness and nausea

In case you suffer form any of these problems after taking the tablets, kindly consult a doctor immediately. Of these possible side-effects, mild nausea, gas problems, mild diarrhea and vomiting are less serious and do not require medical attention generally, as they disappear in some time.

Take the medicines as prescribed by the doctor and also read the instructions on the label properly before taking the medicines. Normally, these medicines have to be taken after meals with a glass of water without chewing them. These medicines may react with certain medicines in the body, to form an excess amount of potassium which can also lead to cardiac arrest. That is the reason why one needs to inform the doctor about any ongoing medication before starting the course. The doctor could also advise for periodic tests so as to monitor the effectiveness of these medicines.

These side effects mentioned in this article are not exhaustive. So in case you suffer from any other health abnormalities after taking the medicines, kindly consult your doctor as he knows best.