Brand name: Span-K (Slow-K, Potassium Chloride)
Pronounced: MY-kroe kay
Generic name: Potassium chloride
Other brand names: Klor-Con, K-Dur, K-Tab, Kaon-CL, Slow-K
Why is Span-K (Slow-K, Potassium Chloride) prescribed?
Span-K (Slow-K, Potassium Chloride) is used to treat or prevent low potassium levels in people
who may face potassium loss caused by digitalis (Lanoxin), non-potassium-sparing
diuretics (such as Diuril and Dyazide), and certain diseases.
Potassium plays an essential role in the proper functioning of a wide
range of systems in the body, including the kidneys, muscles, and nerves.
As a result, a potassium deficiency may have a wide range of effects,
including dry mouth, thirst, reduced urination, weakness, fatigue,
drowsiness, low blood pressure, restlessness, muscle cramps, abnormal
heart rate, nausea, and vomiting.
Span-K (Slow-K, Potassium Chloride) and the other products discussed here are slow-release potassium
formulations.
Most important fact about Span-K (Slow-K, Potassium
Chloride) without a prescriptions
There have been reports of intestinal and gastric ulcers and bleeding
associated with use of slow-release potassium chloride medications.
Span-K (Slow-K, Potassium Chloride) should be used only by people who cannot take potassium chloride
in liquid or effervescent forms.
Do not change from one brand of potassium chloride to another without
consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
How should you take Span-K (Slow-K, Potassium Chloride)?
Take Span-K (Slow-K, Potassium Chloride) with meals and with a full glass of water or some other
liquid.
Tell your doctor if you have difficulty swallowing Span-K (Slow-K, Potassium Chloride). You may
sprinkle the contents of the capsule onto a spoonful of soft food.
Capsules and tablets should not be crushed, chewed, or sucked.
If you miss a dose...
If it is within 2 hours of the scheduled time, take it as soon as
you remember. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you
missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at
once.
Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.
Span-K (Slow-K, Potassium Chloride) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Span-K (Slow-K, Potassium Chloride).
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain or discomfort, diarrhea, gas, nausea, stomach and intestinal
ulcers and bleeding, blockage, or perforation, vomiting
Why should Span-K (Slow-K, Potassium Chloride) not be prescribed?
You should not be using Span-K (Slow-K, Potassium Chloride) in a solid form if you are taking
any drug or have any condition that could stop or slow Span-K (Slow-K, Potassium Chloride) as it
goes through the gastrointestinal tract.
If you have high potassium levels, you should not use Span-K (Slow-K, Potassium Chloride).
You should not use these products if you are allergic to any of their
ingredients.
People with certain heart conditions should not use slow-release forms
of potassium.
Special warnings about Span-K (Slow-K, Potassium Chloride)
Before taking Span-K (Slow-K, Potassium Chloride), tell your doctor if you have ever had acute
dehydration, heat cramps, adrenal insufficiency, diabetes, heart disease,
kidney disease, liver disease, ulcers, or severe burns.
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice that your stools are black
or tarry.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Span-K (Slow-K, Potassium Chloride)
If Span-K (Slow-K, Potassium Chloride) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is important to check
with your doctor before combining Span-K (Slow-K, Potassium Chloride) with the following:
Antispasmodic drugs such as Bentyl
Blood pressure medications classified as ACE inhibitors, such as Vasotec
and Capoten
Digitalis (Lanoxin)
Potassium-sparing diuretics such as Midamor and Aldactone
Also tell your doctor if you use salt substitutes.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Span-K (Slow-K, Potassium Chloride) is generally considered safe for pregnant women or women who
breastfeed their babies.
Recommended dosage for Span-K (Slow-K, Potassium Chloride)
Dosages must be adjusted for each individual. Safety and effectiveness
in children have not been established. The following are typical dosages
for Span-K (Slow-K, Potassium Chloride) and other leading slow-release potassium supplements.
TO TREAT LOW POTASSIUM LEVELS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. Overdoses
of these supplements can result in potentially fatal levels of potassium.
Overdose symptoms may not be noticeable in their early stages. Therefore,
if you have any reason to suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately.
