Potassium

Brand Names

Potassium, Tri-K

What is Potassium

Potassium is a medication that contains a combination of potassium acetate, bicarbonate and citrate. It is vital for the proper functioning of the heart, kidneys, muscles, nerves and digestive system. Usually the foods you eat contain enough of potassium you need. However, certain diseases (e.g., kidney disease and gastrointestinal disease with vomiting and diarrhea) and drugs, especially diuretics ('water pills'), remove potassium from the body. Potassium supplements exist to replace potassium losses and prevent potassium deficiency.

Potassium can be found in the following foods:

  • Bananas
  • Avocados
  • Nuts (almonds and peanuts)
  • Citrus fruits
  • Leafy, green vegetables
  • Milk
  • Potatoes


Side effects of Potassium

You should contact your doctor at once since you have noticed the following serious side effects:

  • mental confusion
  • listlessness
  • tingling, prickling, burning, tight, or pulling sensation of arms, hands, legs or feet
  • heaviness or weakness of legs
  • cold, pale, gray skin
  • stomach pain
  • unusual stomach bulging
  • black stools

Less serious side effects may include:

  • upset stomach
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea


Indication

Potassium acetate, bicarbonate and citrate are salts of potassium that used together in order to prevent or to treat a lack of potassium.


Precautions

It is very important to inform your doctor before taking potassium if you have:

  • allergic reactions to potassium or any other drugs
  • are taking any other prescription and non-prescription medications, especially angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec) and lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril); diuretics ('water pills') and vitamins. You should not take potassium if you are taking amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone) or triamterene (Dyrenium).
  • or have ever had heart, kidney or Addison's (adrenal gland) disease
  • are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding
  • are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking potassium


Dosage forms

Category Adequate Intake (AI)
Children
0-6 months 400 mg/day
7-12 months 700 mg/day
1-3 years 3,000 mg/day
4-8 years 3,800 mg/day
9-13 years 4,500 mg/day
14 years and up 4,700 mg/day
Adults
18 years and up 4,700 mg/day
Pregnant women 4,700 mg/day
Breastfeeding women 5,100 mg/day

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