Generic name:potassium chloride [ poe-TASS-ee-um ]
Drug class:Minerals and electrolytes
What is K-Dur?
K-Dur tablets contain potassium chloride, a mineral that is found in many foods and is needed for several functions of your body, especially the beating of your heart.
K-Dur is used to prevent or to treat low blood levels of potassium (hypokalemia). Potassium levels can be low as a result of a disease or from taking certain medicines, or after a prolonged illness with diarrhea or vomiting.
K-Dur may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use K-Dur if you have high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia), or if you also take a "potassium-sparing" diuretic.
To be sure K-Dur is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested often. Your heart rate may also be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG) to measure electrical activity of the heart. This test will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with K-dur. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Serious side effects of potassium include uneven heartbeat, muscle weakness or limp feeling, severe stomach pain, and numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or mouth.
Do not stop taking this medicine without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking K-Dur suddenly, your condition may become worse.
Do not crush, chew, break, or suck on an extended-release K-Dur tablet. Sucking on a K=Dur tablet can irritate your mouth or throat. Take K-Dur with food or just after a meal.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use K-Dur if you are allergic to potassium chloride, or if:
you have high levels of potassium i...
