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Brand Names: Effervescent Potassium, K-Effervescent, K-vescent

Generic Name: potassium bicarbonate (Pronunciation: poe tass EE um)

• What is potassium bicarbonate (Effervescent Potassium, K-Effervescent, K-vescent)?
• What are the possible side effects of potassium bicarbonate (Effervescent Potassium, K-Effervescent, K-vescent)?
• What is the most important information I should know about potassium bicarbonate (Effervescent Potassium, K-Effervescent, K-vescent)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking potassium bicarbonate (Effervescent Potassium, K-Effervescent, K-vescent)?
• How should I take potassium bicarbonate (Effervescent Potassium, K-Effervescent, K-vescent)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Effervescent Potassium, K-Effervescent, K-vescent)?
• What happens if I overdose (Effervescent Potassium, K-Effervescent, K-vescent)?
• What should I avoid while taking potassium bicarbonate (Effervescent Potassium, K-Effervescent, K-vescent)?
• What other drugs will affect potassium bicarbonate (Effervescent Potassium, K-Effervescent, K-vescent)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is potassium bicarbonate (Effervescent Potassium, K-Effervescent, K-vescent)?

Potassium is a mineral that is found naturally in foods and is necessary for many normal functions of your body, especially the beating of your heart.

Potassium bicarbonate is used to prevent or to treat a potassium deficiency (hypokalemia).

Potassium bicarbonate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of potassium bicarbonate (Effervescent Potassium, K-Effervescent, K-vescent)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using potassium bicarbonate and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• confusion;
• uneven heartbeat;
• unusual tiredness, weakness, heavy feeling in your legs;
• severe stomach pain cramping; or
• black, bloody, or tarry stools.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or upset stomach;
• a rash;
• slight tingling in the hands or feet; or
• anxiety.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about potassium bicarbonate (Effervescent Potassium, K-Effervescent, K-vescent)?

Avoid taking potassium supplements or using other products that contain potassium without first asking your doctor. Salt substitutes or low-salt dietary products often contain potassium. If you take certain products together you may accidentally get too much potassium. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains potassium.

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