Potassium Gluconate Controlled-Release Tablets

Generic Name: Potassium Gluconate (poe-TASS-ee-uhm GLOO-coe-nate)Brand Name: Generic only. No brands available.

Potassium Gluconate Controlled-Release Tablets are used for:

Treating or preventing low potassium blood levels when the amount of potassium in the diet is inadequate. Low potassium levels may also be caused by some diseases, severe or prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, or certain medicines (eg, diuretics). Symptoms of low potassium levels include weakness, fatigue, or weakening of reflexes.

Potassium Gluconate Controlled-Release Tablets are an electrolyte that is needed for normal functioning of cells, nerve conduction, muscle contraction, kidney function, and acid-base balance.

Do NOT use Potassium Gluconate Controlled-Release Tablets if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Potassium Gluconate Controlled-Release Tablets
• you have high potassium levels
• you are taking a potassium-sparing diuretic (eg, triamterene)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Potassium Gluconate Controlled-Release Tablets:

Some medical conditions may interact with Potassium Gluconate Controlled-Release Tablets. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have adrenal gland problems, kidney problems, severe burns, diarrhea, or a high acidity of your body fluids (acidosis)
• if you are dehydrated

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Potassium Gluconate Controlled-Release Tablets. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril), aldosterone blockers (eg, eplerenone), or potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, triamterene) because the actions and side effects of these medicines may be increased and elevated levels of potassium may occur

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Potassium Gluconate Controlled-Release Tablets may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Potassium Gluconate Controlled-Release Tablets:

Use Potassium Gluconate Controlled-Release Tablets as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Potassium Gluconate Controlled-Release Tablets may cause stomach upset. Take after meals or with food.
• Swallow Potassium Gluconate Controlled-Release Tablets whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
• Take Potassium Gluconate Controlled-Release Tablets with a full glass of water. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking Potassium Gluconate Controlled-Release Tablets.
• If you miss a dose of Potassium Gluconate Controlled-Release Tablets, take it if you remember within 2 hours. If it is more than 2 hours since your missed dose, skip it and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Potassium Gluconate Controlled-Release Tablets.

Important safety information:

• Too much or too little potassium can adversely affect the heart. Be sure that your doctor and pharmacist are aware of any heart medications you are taking.
• Do not use salt substitutes, except on the advice of a doctor.
• Some of these products may contain the dye tartrazine (FD&C Yellow No. 5), which can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
• LAB TESTS, including blood electrolytes, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Potassium Gluconate Controlled-Release Tablets during pregnancy. It is unknown if Potassium Gluconate Controlled-Release Tablets are excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are taking Potassium Gluconate Controlled-Release Tablets, check with your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Potassium Gluconate Controlled-Release Tablets:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Diarrhea; nausea; stomach discomfort; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal heartbeat; abnormal skin sensation; black, tarry stools; confusion; heaviness in the legs; indigestion; listlessness; severe vomiting; stomach pain; tingling in the hands and feet; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include blood in stools; irregular heartbeat; muscle weakness.

Proper storage of Potassium Gluconate Controlled-Release Tablets:

Store Potassium Gluconate Controlled-Release Tablets at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), in a tightly-closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Potassium Gluconate Controlled-Release Tablets out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Potassium Gluconate Controlled-Release Tablets, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Potassium Gluconate Controlled-Release Tablets are to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Potassium Gluconate Controlled-Release Tablets. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.