Potassium chloride and sodium chloride

Potassium is a mineral found in many foods that your body needs for several functions, especially for keeping your heart beating.

Sodium chloride is the chemical name for salt. Sodium is an electrolyte that helps control the amount of water in your body. Sodium also helps with nerve signals and muscle contractions.

Potassium chloride and sodium chloride is a combined mineral supplement that may help reduce tiredness, muscle cramps, or heat exhaustion that can happen when you sweat more than usual. This product is often used for outdoor activities in hot weather or indoors in places where high temperatures can cause overheating.

It is not clear whether potassium chloride and sodium chloride is effective for treating any medical conditions. The FDA has not approved this product for medicinal use. Potassium chloride and sodium chloride should not be used instead of any medication prescribed by your doctor.

Potassium chloride and sodium chloride may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this product guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

The usual dose of potassium chloride and sodium chloride is 1 tablet taken 5 to 10 times per day.

Take this product with a full glass of water.

You may need to adjust your dose based on the amount of heat you are exposed to.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with potassium chloride and sodium chloride does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Follow all directions on the product label and package.

Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Do not use this product without a doctor's advice if:

• you have kidney disease; or
• you are on a low-salt diet.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:

• high blood pressure;
• heart disease; or
• an ulcer or other problem in your stomach or esophagus.

It is not known whether potassium chloride and sodium chloride will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy.

It is not known whether potassium chloride and sodium chloride passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.

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

Potassium chloride and sodium chloride may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• dehydration symptoms—hot and dry skin, feeling very thirsty or hot, confusion, being unable to urinate; or
• high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia)—nausea, slow or unusual heart rate, muscle weakness, loss of movement.

Although not all side effects are known, potassium chloride and sodium chloride is believed to be likely safe for most people when used as directed.

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 the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra potassium chloride and sodium chloride to compensate for the missed dose.

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

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Do not take potassium chloride and sodium chloride without medical advice if you are using any of these medications:

• heart or blood pressure medication; or
• cold or allergy medicine that contains an antihistamine (Benadryl and others).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with potassium chloride and sodium chloride, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.