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Cena-K

Brand Names

; Cena-K® ; Gen-K® ; K+® 10 ; Kaochlor® ; Kaochlor-Eff® ; Kaon-Cl® ; Kato® ; Kay Ciel® ; Kaylixir® ; K + Care® ; K-Dur® ; K-Electrolyte® ; K-G® Elixir ; K-Gen® ; K-Lease® ; K-Lor™ ; Klor-Con® ; Klor-Con/25® ; Klorvess® ; Klorvess Klyte/Cl ; Klotrix® ; K-lyte® ; K-Lyte/Cl® ; K-lyte DS ; K-Norm® ; Kolyum® ; K-Tab® ; Micro-K® ; Micro-K® LS ; Potasalan® ; Rum-K® ; S-F Kaon® ; Slow-K® ; Ten-K® ; Tri-K® ; Trikates® ; Twin-K®

Therapeutic Categories

Electrolyte Supplement, Oral; Electrolyte Supplement, Parenteral; Potassium Salt

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to return potassium to the body. There are many reasons why potassium may be lost in large quantities; the most common being loss because of diuretic use. Potassium is needed in certain quantities by every organ in the body.

How does it work?

• Potassium goes to all parts of the body to maintain good function.

How is it best taken?

• Take with food and 8 ounces of liquid unless healthcare provider restricts fluids.
• Mix liquid, powder, granule, or effervescent tablet of potassium in 1/2 a cup of liquid.
• Swallow sustained-release tablet/capsule whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
• A liquid is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with healthcare provider.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses unless prescribed by healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have had a stomach ulcer or bleeding, tell healthcare provider. Medicine may be irritating to stomach.
• Use caution if you have kidney disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
• If water is pill stopped, make sure to ask healthcare provider about potassium. It will usually be stopped too.
• Some forms of potassium are in a wax matrix; you may see in stool. This is expected. The potassium has been absorbed but the wax is not absorbable and goes right through the intestines.
• Avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes, spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene, and other potassium supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Belly pain and cramps.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Diarrhea.

What should I monitor?

• Periodic blood work is required to look at potassium levels in the body. Talk with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
• Blood in the stool and toilet bowl, vomiting blood, or coughing up blood.
• Weakness, numbness and tingling, lightheadedness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, feeling like passing out.
• Any rash.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).