Health information to help you understand symptoms. It isn't a diagnosis.
Check symptoms

Potassium chloride

Brand names: Klor-Con, K-Tab, Micro-K

Potassium chloride replaces potassium, often needed when water pills or illness lower potassium levels.

Brand namesKlor-Con, K-Tab, Micro-K
Type of medicinePotassium supplement
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

Too little or too much potassium can affect the heart, so blood tests guide the dose.

What it's used for

  • Low potassium from water pills, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Preventing low potassium

How to take it

  • Take it with a meal and a full glass of water.
  • Swallow extended-release tablets whole; don't crush or suck on them. Some can be split or dissolved in water; check your label.
  • Sit up for at least 10 minutes after taking it.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Nausea or upset stomach
  • Diarrhea
  • Gas
Call 911A slow or irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, or tingling (possible high potassium)
Call your provider todaySevere stomach pain, black stools, or vomiting blood
Call your provider todayTrouble swallowing or a pill stuck in the throat

Warnings

  • Not for people with high potassium or serious kidney problems.
  • Don't use salt substitutes without asking; many contain potassium.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • ACE inhibitors, ARBs, spironolactone, and trimethoprim can raise potassium too high.
  • Anticholinergic medicines can slow pills in the gut and raise irritation risk.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Used in pregnancy when needed.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.