Potassium Chloride: What to Know Before You Take It
Also known as Klor-Con, K-Tab
A patient-focused safety profile with information from public regulatory sources.
In plain language
What Potassium Chloride is used for
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Potassium Chloride Extended-Release Tablets are indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of hypokalemia with or without metabolic alkalosis, in patients for whom dietary management with potassium-rich foods or diuretic dose reduction is insufficient. Potassium Chloride Extended-Release Tablets are a potassium salt, indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of hypokalemia with or without metabolic alkalosis in patients for whom dietary management with potassium-rich foods or diuretic dose reduction is insufficient. (1)
Read before you decide
Risks and precautions
Risks and warnings
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Gastrointestinal Irritation: Take with meals (5.1) 5.1 Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions Solid oral dosage forms of potassium chloride can produce ulcerative and/or stenotic lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly if the drug maintains contact with the gastrointestinal mucosa for prolonged periods. Consider the use of liquid potassium in patients with dysphagia, swallowing disorders, or severe gastrointestinal motility disorders. If severe vomiting, abdominal pain, distention, or gastrointestinal bleeding occurs, discontinue potassium chloride extended-release tablets and consider possibility of ulceration, obstruction or perforation. Potassium chloride extended-release tablets should not be taken on an empty stomach because of its potential for gastric irritation [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] .
Who should not take it
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Potassium chloride is contraindicated in patients on triamterene and amiloride. Concomitant use with triamterene and amiloride (4)
Medication review
Potassium Chloride drug interactions
FDA safety data
Most-reported side effects
Based on 118,686 FAERS reports. Reports do not prove the drug caused the effect.
Regulatory record
FDA recalls (20)
Presence of Particulate Matter.
Recalling firm: B BRAUN MEDICAL INC
Lack of Assurance of Sterility; potential for leakage from the diaphragm port once the foil is removed.
Recalling firm: B BRAUN MEDICAL INC
Labeling: Label Error on Declared Strength-The overwrap label may incorrectly identify the product as POTASSIUM CHLORIDE Inj. 10 mEq instead of POTASSIUM CHLORIDE Inj. 20 mEq
Recalling firm: Otsuka ICU Medical LLC
Labeling: Label Error on Declared Strength-The overwrap label may incorrectly identify the product as POTASSIUM CHLORIDE Inj. 10 mEq instead of POTASSIUM CHLORIDE Inj. 20 mEq
Recalling firm: Otsuka ICU Medical LLC
Presence of Particulate Matter
Recalling firm: B BRAUN MEDICAL INC
Lack of Assurance of Sterility; potential for fluid leakage at one of the weld sites.
Recalling firm: B BRAUN MEDICAL INC
Labeling: Label Error on Declared Strength. Overwrap labeled as Potassium Chloride Inj 10 mEq may contain flexible containers of Potassium Chloride Inj 20 mEq
Recalling firm: ICU Medical, Inc.
Labeling: Label Error on Declared Strength. Cases labeled POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 20 mEq, may contain flexible containers with overwrap mislabeled as 10 mEq. The correct dosage strength of 20 mEq is printed on the labeling affixed to the product flexible container.
Recalling firm: ICU Medical, Inc.
Failed Dissolution Specifications.
Recalling firm: The Harvard Drug Group LLC dba Major Pharmaceuticals and Rugby Laboratories
Defective container: potential for non-sealed pouches which can lead to product leakage.
Recalling firm: Novel Laboratories, Inc. d.b.a Lupin Somerset
Failed Dissolution Specifications
Recalling firm: Amerisource Health Services LLC
CGMP Deviations
Recalling firm: Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA
Common questions
Patient questions
What is Potassium Chloride prescribed for?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Potassium Chloride Extended-Release Tablets are indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of hypokalemia with or without metabolic alkalosis, in patients for whom dietary management with potassium-rich foods or diuretic dose reduction is insufficient. Potassium Chloride Extended-Release Tablets are a potassium salt, indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of hypokalemia with or without metabolic alkalosis in patients for whom dietary management with potassium-rich foods or diuretic dose reduction is insufficient. (1)
What are the key warnings and safety precautions for Potassium Chloride?
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Gastrointestinal Irritation: Take with meals (5.1) 5.1 Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions Solid oral dosage forms of potassium chloride can produce ulcerative and/or stenotic lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly if the drug maintains contact with the gastrointestinal mucosa for prolonged periods. Consider the use of liquid potassium in patients with dysphagia, swallowing disorders, or severe gastrointestinal motility disorders. If severe vomiting, abdominal pain, distention, or gastrointestinal bleeding occurs, discontinue potassium chloride extended-release tablets and consider possibility of ulceration, obstruction or perforation. Potassium chloride extended-release tablets should not be taken on an empty stomach because of its potential for gastric irritation [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] .
Does Potassium Chloride interact with other medications or foods?
Potassium Chloride has 2 documented drug interaction(s) and 0 food interaction(s) in clinical databases. Always provide your complete medication list to your clinician.
This information is educational — not medical advice.
This page is provided for general educational purposes and summarizes publicly available data from sources such as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. It is not a substitute for the judgment of a licensed clinician and should not be used to start, stop, or change any medication. It may be incomplete or out of date, and individual circumstances vary. Always talk with your prescriber or pharmacist about your specific medications and health conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.