Slow K (Potassium Chloride) is a prescription medication used to treat or prevent low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia). You may experience hypokalemia due to diarrhea, vomiting, kidney problems, laxative overuse, or certain medications. Symptoms of hypokalemia include muscle weakness, fatigue, and abnormal heart rhythms. The active ingredient in Slow K is Potassium Chloride. Potassium Chloride belongs to a class of drugs called mineral supplements. It works by replenishing the potassium levels in the body, restoring proper function to your cells, nerves, and muscles.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the generic Potassium Chloride from Canada in the strength of 600 mg (8 MEQ) tablets. The brand Slow K is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Slow K. The most common side effects of Slow K may include the following:
• Abdominal pain;
• Diarrhea;
• Gas;
• Nausea;
• Vomiting
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, hives, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or throat;
• Swallowing difficulties;
• Signs of gastrointestinal problems, such as severe nausea, severe abdominal pain, black or tarry stools;
• Signs of hyperkalemia, such as muscle weakness, fatigue, nausea, tingling or numbness in the hands, feet or lips, slow or irregular heartbeat, cardiac arrest
These are not all of Slow K's side effects. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Slow K if you are allergic to Potassium Chloride or any ingredient in Slow K. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant;
• Have a history of stomach or intestinal ulcers;
• Have Addison's disease;
• Have conditions that can increase your potassium levels;
• Have diabetes;
• Have difficulty swallowing;
• Have kidney disease;
• Have severe dehydration;
• Have stomach or intestinal obstruction;
• Have uncontrolled high blood pressure
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Slow K and other medicines, such as losartan, spironolactone, captopril, naproxen, cyclosporine, digoxin, potassium supplements, quinidine, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before using Slow K. It is unknown if this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine in pregnancy with your doctor. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed before using Slow K. It is unknown whether Potassium Chloride passes into breast milk or if it may harm a nursing infant. Discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine when breastfeeding with your doctor.
Use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes. Slow K comes as an extended-release tablet. Swallow this medicine whole. If you cannot swallow a tablet whole, inform your doctor. Take this drug with a full glass of water. You may take this drug with or shortly after eating. Taking this medicine with food will reduce your risk of stomach upset. Do not share Slow K with others, even if they have the same condition. It may harm them. You may consider lifestyle modifications such as reducing salt intake when using this medicine. Do not use potassium-containing products or salt substitutes when taking this drug. Using salt substitutes when taking Slow K can increase potassium levels in your body and increase your risk of hyperkalemia. You may undergo frequent blood tests to monitor your potassium levels and check if the medicine works effectively. Your doctor will order these tests and adjust your dosage if necessary. Store this drug at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.