Potassium is a mineral that is found naturally in foods and is necessary for the normal function of your heart, muscles, and nerves.

Potassium gluconate is used to prevent low potassium (hypokalemia).

Potassium gluconate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use potassium gluconate if you also take a potassium-sparing diuretic such as amiloride, eplerenone, spironolactone, or triamterene.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Take potassium gluconate with a full glass of water.

Take your doses at regular intervals to keep a steady amount of potassium in your body at all times.

Take potassium gluconate with food or after a meal.

You should not stop using potassium gluconate without first asking your doctor.

You may need frequent medical tests. Even if you have no symptoms, tests can help your doctor determine if this medicine is effective.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

You should not use potassium gluconate if:

• you have high levels of potassium in your blood; or

• you also take a potassium-sparing diuretic such as amiloride, eplerenone, spironolactone, or triamterene.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:

• heart problems, irregular heartbeats;

• diabetes;

• trouble swallowing;

• a severe burn injury;

• an ulcer or other problems with your stomach or intestines;

• Addison's disease (an adrenal gland disorder);

• an allergic reaction to a product that contains potassium;

• kidney disease; or

• if you are dehydrated.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Avoid using other potassium supplements, salt substitutes, or low-sodium foods unless your doctor has told you to.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Potassium gluconate may cause serious side effects. Stop using potassium gluconate and call your doctor at once if you have:

• confusion;

• fast or irregular heartbeats;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• weakness or a heavy feeling in your legs;

• numbness or tingling in your hands or feet;

• unusual tiredness;

• trouble breathing;

• black, bloody, or tarry stools

• severe stomach pain or cramping; or

• high potassium--nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, or loss of movement.

Common side effects of potassium gluconate may include:

• nausea, vomiting;

• diarrhea; or

• upset stomach.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using potassium gluconate with any other medications, especially:

• heart or blood pressure medication;

• a diuretic or "water pill"; or

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect potassium gluconate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.