Pronunciation: po-TAS-ee-um KLOR-ide
Generic Name: Potassium Chloride
Brand Name: Examples include Gen-K and Klor-con
Gen-K Powder is used for:
Preventing or treating low blood potassium levels when the amount of potassium in the diet is inadequate. Low potassium levels may also be caused by some diseases, severe or prolonged episodes of vomiting or diarrhea, or by certain medicines (eg, diuretics). Symptoms of low potassium levels include weakness, fatigue, or weakening of reflexes.
Gen-K Powder is an electrolyte that is needed for normal functioning of cells, nerve conduction, muscle contraction, kidney function, and acid-base balance.
Do NOT use Gen-K Powder if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Gen-K Powder
- you have a high blood potassium level
- 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 Gen-K Powder:
Some medical conditions may interact with Gen-K Powder. 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 a high acidity of your body fluids (acidosis), adrenal gland problems, diarrhea, or kidney problems
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Gen-K Powder. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Aldosterone blockers (eg, spironolactone), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen), or potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, triamterene) because the risk of high blood potassium levels may be increased
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Gen-K Powder 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 Gen-K Powder:
Use Gen-K Powder as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Gen-K Powder may cause stomach upset. Take Gen-K Powder by mouth with food or after meals.
- Dissolve Gen-K Powder in at least half a glass (4 oz/120 mL) of water or juice and drink.
- Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking Gen-K Powder.
- If you miss a dose of Gen-K Powder, 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 Gen-K Powder.
Important safety information:
- Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it.
- Too much or too little potassium can adversely affect your heart. Be sure that your health care provider and pharmacist are aware of any heart medications that you are taking.
- Lab tests, including blood electrolytes and kidney function, may be performed while you use Gen-K Powder. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Use Gen-K Powder with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
- Gen-K Powder should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Gen-K Powder while you are pregnant. It is not known if Gen-K Powder is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Gen-K Powder, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Gen-K Powder:
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; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools; bleeding in the stomach; chest pain; heart problems; irregular heartbeat; numbness or tingling in the hands or feet; stomach pain; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; weak or heavy legs.
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. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Gen-K side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include chest pain; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; limp muscles; listlessness; muscle weakness or paralysis; slow or difficult breathing.
Proper storage of Gen-K Powder:
Store Gen-K Powder 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 Gen-K Powder out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Gen-K Powder, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Gen-K Powder is 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.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Gen-K Powder. 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.
More Gen-K resources
- Gen-K Side Effects (in more detail)
- Gen-K Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Gen-K Drug Interactions
- Gen-K Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Gen-K - Add your own review/rating
Compare Gen-K with other medications
- Hypokalemia
- Prevention of Hypokalemia
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