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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Side Effects Of Potassium Chloride Tablets?

I was prescribed 20 mEq tablets of Potassium Chloride daily. After taking it for about 90 days I began to have nausea and sick about 20 minutes after taking my medications. I stopped taking the Potassium and now am fighting nausea and extreme tiredness and heaviness in my limbs all day. Is it ok to stop taking Potassium all at once?
Tue, 11 Aug 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
hello,
i can understand your concern.
i would like to know the etiology for the usage of kcl by you for such a long period.
potassium chlorile does have side effects like nausea, vomiting,muscle weakness ,arrythmias,diarrhea abdominal discomfort among other symptoms.
most of these are due to the elevated levels of serum potassium after usage of kcl.
there will not be any withdrawal effects of kcl is stopped abruptly unless the potassium levels drop leading to hypokalemia.
i would suggest an e.c.g along with serum electrolytes to know any rythm abnormality of the heart and the levels of potassium in blood.
based on the results of these hyperkalemia if present can be managed accordingly by your physician.
hope i have answered your queries.
feel free to ask further queries.
thanks for choosing HCM.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Potassium Chloride Tablets?

hello, i can understand your concern. i would like to know the etiology for the usage of kcl by you for such a long period. potassium chlorile does have side effects like nausea, vomiting,muscle weakness ,arrythmias,diarrhea abdominal discomfort among other symptoms. most of these are due to the elevated levels of serum potassium after usage of kcl. there will not be any withdrawal effects of kcl is stopped abruptly unless the potassium levels drop leading to hypokalemia. i would suggest an e.c.g along with serum electrolytes to know any rythm abnormality of the heart and the levels of potassium in blood. based on the results of these hyperkalemia if present can be managed accordingly by your physician. hope i have answered your queries. feel free to ask further queries. thanks for choosing HCM.