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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking potassium bicarbonate and potassium chloride (Effervescent Potassium/Chloride, K-Lyte/Cl)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to it, or if you have certain conditions. Be sure your doctor knows if you have:

• high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia);
• kidney failure;
• Addison's disease (an adrenal gland disorder);
• a large tissue injury such as a severe burn;
• if you are severely dehydrated; or
• if you are taking a "potassium-sparing" diuretic (water pill) such as amiloride (Midamor, Moduretic), spironolactone (Aldactone, Aldactazide), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide).

Before using potassium bicarbonate and potassium chloride, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease;
• heart disease or high blood pressure;
• a blockage in your stomach or intestines; or
• chronic diarrhea (such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease).

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take potassium bicarbonate and potassium chloride.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether potassium passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take potassium bicarbonate and potassium chloride (Effervescent Potassium/Chloride, K-Lyte/Cl)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Do not chew the effervescent tablet or swallow it whole.

Drop the tablet into a glass and add at least 4 ounces (one-half cup) of cold water or fruit juice. When the tablet has completely dissolved, begin drinking the mixture slowly, over 5 to 10 minutes in all.

To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

The powder form of this medication should be mixed with at least 4 ounces (one-half cup) of cold water or fruit juice before taking. Drink the mixture slowly, over 5 to 10 minutes in all. To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

Take this medication with food or just after a meal.

Your treatment may include a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you should eat or avoid to help control your condition.

Potassium-rich foods include: squash, baked potatoes (skin on), spinach, lentils, broccoli, brussels sprouts, zucchini, kidney or navy beans, raisins, watermelon, orange juice, bananas, cantaloupe, and low-fat milk or yogurt. Consume only the daily amounts recommended by your doctor or nutrition counselor.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested often. Your heart rate may also be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG) to measure electrical activity of the heart. This test will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with potassium. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking potassium suddenly, your condition may become worse.

Store potassium bicarbonate and potassium chloride at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medication in a closed container.

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