What is Span-K (Potassium Chloride) used for?

Span K (Potassium Chloride) is an oral medication prescribed to treat patients with low levels of potassium in the blood. The medication contains the mineral potassium and operates by being absorbed into the blood stream. This can prevent symptoms associated with this condition including muscle weakness, cramps, or elevated blood pressure. Your physician may also prescribe it to treat other unlisted conditions.

How should I use Span-K (Potassium Chloride)?

Follow the instructions of your physician while using Span-K (Potassium Chloride) to get the safest and most effective results from treatment. The typical dosage is one tablet taken once daily, but your individual directions will differ based on the condition being treated, your health, weight, and the severity of your symptoms. These should be swallowed with a large glass of water and can be taken on an empty stomach, but a meal is recommended prior to use if you experience nausea. Do not crush, split, or chew the tablets before use as this may destroy or alter the effects of their contents. Ask your physician any questions you have about the medication to ensure the correct usage.

What are the side effects of Span-K (Potassium Chloride)?

Side effects that may occur while using Span-K (Potassium Chloride) include:

• Mild nausea
• Upset stomach or diarrhea
• Tingling sensations in the hands or feet
• Appearance of the tablet in the stools

More serious side effects that may need immediate medical assistance include leg pain, intense stomach pain, diarrhea, muscle fatigue, extreme thirst, irregular heartbeat, confusion, anxiety, coughing up blood or vomit resembling coffee grounds, or discolored stools. These conditions may require lower doses or reduced frequency of administration to prevent further problems from occurring.

Please Note

Do not use Span-K (Potassium Chloride) if you are lactose intolerant, fructose intolerant, if the patient is a child, or if you have uncontrolled Addison's disease, severe dehydration, decreased urine production, high levels of potassium in the blood, increased acid levels in the blood, or intestinal blockage. Also disclose if you are elderly or have heart disease, a hiatus hernia, peptic ulcer, decreased kidney function, or if you are taking any anticholinergic medications. These conditions may cause unexpected complications during treatment requiring special adjustments to your treatment.

Strictly follow all instructions provided to you by your physician or pharmacist while using Span-K (Potassium Chloride). Optimum and safe dosage can differ based on the patient and the condition being treated.

As this medication may be unsafe for certain patients, it is essential you always inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as if you have any allergies, other illnesses, or ongoing health conditions, and if you are taking any other form of medication, supplements, or herbal products.

Immediately seek emergency medical care if you have an allergic or hypersensitive reaction. Common signs of a reaction include hives, swelling, skin rashes, chest pains, as well as trouble breathing or swallowing.