USE
This medication is used to treat and prevent low potassium levels (hypokalemia). Potassium is a natural mineral found in the body and in various foods. Normal potassium levels are necessary for proper functioning of the muscles, heart, kidneys, and nerves. This medication is a potassium supplement that works by increasing or maintaining normal levels of potassium in your body. This medication should only be used in persons who cannot take other forms of potassium (liquid, effervescent tablets).

Other Uses
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
Potassium chloride may be helpful in the treatment of high blood pressure. It is also used to treat abnormal heart rhythms that may occur from certain drugs (digitalis).

How to use Klor-Con M20 Oral
Take this medication by mouth, with food, as directed by your doctor.
Take with a full glass of water or other liquid (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking this medication. Do not take this medication on an empty stomach.

Swallow this medication whole. Do not chew or suck on the tablets. Doing so may cause side effects.
If you have difficulty swallowing whole tablets, you may break the tablet in half and take each half separately, drinking half a glass (4 ounces or 120 milliliters) of water after each half-tablet. Take your entire dose within a few minutes. You may also dissolve the whole tablet in half a glass (4 ounces or 120 milliliters) of water. Allow about 2 minutes for the tablet to dissolve, then stir the mixture for 30 seconds and drink it immediately. Use a straw if desired. Add 1 more ounce (30 milliliters) of water to the glass, swirl, and drink immediately. Repeat one more time to make sure you are getting all of the drug. Do not save the mixture for future use. Do not use a liquid other than water for mixing this drug.

Dosage is based on your medical condition, blood potassium levels, and response to therapy.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea, vomiting, gas, abdominal pain/discomfort, and diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This drug may cause serious stomach or intestinal problems (e.g., bleeding, blockage, puncture). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: black/bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dizziness, constipation, abdominal swelling.

This medication may cause high potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: muscle cramps/weakness, severe dizziness, confusion, tingling of the hands/feet, slow/irregular heartbeat, unusually cold skin.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: high blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia), certain stomach/intestinal problems (diabetic gastroparesis, conditions decreasing gut movement), certain heart problems (enlarged left atrium, atrioventricular block), a certain muscle problem (hyperkalemic periodic paralysis).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems, kidney problems (e.g., chronic renal failure, renal tubular acidosis), heat cramps, a sudden severe loss of body water (dehydration), severe tissue damage (e.g., severe burns), stomach/intestinal ulcer, metabolic problems (e.g., metabolic acidosis, diabetic acidosis), a adrenal gland problem (Addison’s disease).

You may be at risk for low potassium levels (hypokalemia) from your condition if the dosage of this medication is too low, if you take certain drugs (e.g., water pills/diuretics such as furosemide), or if you do not get enough potassium from food. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of these unlikely but very serious symptoms of low potassium: muscle cramps/weakness, irregular heartbeat, or unusual tiredness.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This drug passes into breast milk. There have been no reports of harm to nursing infants when the mothers blood potassium levels are in the normal range. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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