Generic name: Potassium chlorideBrand names: Slow-K, K-Dur, K-Tab, Kaon-CL, Klor-Con, Micro-K
Micro-K is used to treat or prevent low potassium levels in people who may face potassium loss caused by digitalis, non-potassium-sparing diuretics, and certain diseases.
Potassium plays an essential role in the proper functioning of a wide range of systems in the body, including the kidneys, muscles, and nerves. As a result, a potassium deficiency may have a wide range of effects, including dry mouth, thirst, reduced urination, weakness, fatigue, drowsiness, low blood pressure, restlessness, muscle cramps, abnormal heart rate, nausea, and vomiting.
Micro-K and the other products discussed here are slow-release potassium formulations.
There have been reports of intestinal and gastric ulcers and bleeding associated with use of slow-release potassium chloride medications. Micro-K should be used only by people who cannot take potassium chloride in liquid or effervescent forms.
Do not change from one brand of potassium chloride to another without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Take Micro-K with meals and with a full glass of water or some other liquid.
Tell your doctor if you have difficulty swallowing Micro-K. You may sprinkle the contents of the capsule onto a spoonful of soft food. Capsules and tablets should not be crushed, chewed, or sucked.
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Micro-K.
You should not be using Micro-K in a solid form if you are taking any drug or have any condition that could stop or slow Micro-K as it goes through the gastrointestinal tract.
If you have high potassium levels, you should not use Micro-K.
You should not use these products if you are allergic to any of their ingredients.
People with certain heart conditions should not use slow-release forms of potassium.
Before taking Micro-K, tell your doctor if you have ever had acute dehydration, heat cramps, adrenal insufficiency, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, ulcers, or severe burns.
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice that your stools are black or tarry.
If Micro-K is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is important to check with your doctor before combining Micro-K with the following:
Antispasmodic drugs such as dicyclomineBlood pressure medications classified as ACE inhibitors, such as captopril and enalaprilDigitalisPotassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride and spironolactoneAlso tell your doctor if you use salt substitutes.
Micro-K is generally considered safe for pregnant women or women who breastfeed their babies.
Dosages must be adjusted for each individual. Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established. The following are typical dosages for Micro-K and other leading slow-release potassium supplements.
TO TREAT LOW POTASSIUM LEVELS
Micro-K, Klor-Con 8, Slow-K
The usual dosage is 5 to 12 tablets or capsules per day.
Micro-K 10, Klor-Con 10, Klor-Con M10, K-Dur 10, K-Tab, Kaon-CL 10
The usual dose is 4 to 10 tablets or capsules per day.
K-Dur 20, Klor-Con M15, Klor-Con M20
The usual dose is 2 to 5 tablets per day.
TO PREVENT LOW POTASSIUM LEVELS
Micro-K, Klor-Con 8, Slow-K, Kaon-CL 10
The usual dosage is 2 or 3 tablets or capsules per day.
K-Tab, Micro-K 10, K-Dur 10, Klor-Con 10, Klor-Con M10
The usual dose is 2 tablets or capsules per day.
K-Dur 20, Klor-Con M15, Klor-Con M20
The usual dose is 1 tablet per day.
If you are taking more than 2 tablets or capsules per day, your total daily dose will be divided into smaller doses.
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. Overdoses of these supplements can result in potentially fatal levels of potassium. Overdose symptoms may not be noticeable in their early stages. Therefore, if you have any reason to suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately.