Potassium Chloride Injection

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Potassium chloride is used to prevent or treat low levels of potassium in the body. Potassium chloride is in a class of medications called electrolytes. It works by to provide potassium to the body to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Potassium chloride injection comes as a solution (liquid). It is mixed in a larger amount of solution and given into a vein by a healthcare provider. It will be given in an amount depending on your condition.

Your doctor will monitor potassium levels in your blood and increase or decrease your dose as needed.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before receiving potassium chloride,

• tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this drug, any part of this drug, or any otherdrugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and whatsymptoms you had.

• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while receiving potassium chloride. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

• tell your doctor if you have high levels of potassium in your blood or kidney disease. Your doctor may decide not to give you potassium chloride.

• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart disease.

• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Potassium chloride may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms tell your doctor immediately:

• redness, pain, and swelling at the site of injection
• weakness; confusion; tingling, numbness, or burning in the arms and legs; irregular heartbeat

Potassium chloride may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to potassium chloride.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.