This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Potassium supplements

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Potassium supplements should probably be tasted by doctors before they begin prescribing them as an alternative to other management of hypokalaemia. They taste disgusting, and are effervescent; these properties combine to render them strongly emetic.

The effervence is caused by bicarbonate, which worsens any associated alkalosis.

Slow K tablets are very large, and may cause GI ulceration; they should be taken with water when standing up.

Combination diuretics and potassium contain insufficient potassium to prevent significant hypokalaemia - 10 mmol instead of 40 to 60 mmol, and there is probably no rational indication for prescibing such drugs.


Create an account to add page annotations

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.