K – DUR prevents potassium deficiency

Why is K-Dur prescribed?

Usually found in the foods you eat, potassium is essential for the proper functioning of your nerves, kidneys, heart, muscles, and digestive system. However, with certain diseases (e.g. kidney disease) and medications, especially diuretics, potassium is removed from the body. K-Dur is prescribed to replace potassium losses and prevent potassium deficiency.

What steps should you take before using K-Dur?

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to potassium or any other drugs.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), and lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril); diuretics ('water pills'); and vitamins. Do not take potassium if you are taking amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), or triamterene (Dyrenium).
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, kidney, or Addison's (adrenal gland) disease.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking potassium, call your doctor.
• If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking potassium.

What should I avoid while taking K-Dur?

Do not use a salt substitute while taking K-dur without first talking to your doctor. Salt substitutes may contain potassium. You may get too much potassium and experience side effects if you use these products.

Are there any side effects with K-Dur?

Although side effects from potassium are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• Mental confusion
• Listlessness
• Tingling, prickling, burning, tight, or pulling sensation of arms, hands, legs, or feet
• Heaviness or weakness of legs
• Cold, pale, gray skin
• Stomach pain
• Unusual stomach bulging
• Black stools

How is K-Dur taken?

Take K-dur exactly as directed by your doctor. If the directions are confusing to speak with your pharmacist, doctor or nurse and they will explain them to you.

• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Take K-dur with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
• Mix the powder or liquid with at least 4 ounces (one-half cup) of water or juice. Mix it thoroughly and drink it immediately. Do not drink the liquid without diluting it first.
• Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release medicine slowly in the body. If you have problems swallowing, ask your doctor about other forms of potassium.
• Do not worry if you find a wax capsule in the stool. The capsule is formulated to be passed out in the stool, but the drug has been absorbed by the body.
• It is important to take K-dur regularly to get the most benefit.
• Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with K-dur to monitor progress and side effects.
• Store K-dur at room temperature away from moisture and heat.