K-10
K-10 is a mineral supplement medication that is used to remedy a potassium deficiency in the blood. Most people eat enough potassium rich foods that they do not need a supplement such as k-10. Some medications and medical conditions cause some people to lose potassium in their blood faster than they can replace it with potassium rich foods. These include flu like illnesses, water pills and inadequate eating habits. A potassium deficiency can cause muscle weakness, vomiting, altered moods, and erratic heartbeat. Proper potassium levels in the blood are vital to the function of your heart, kidneys and other organs.
If you are taking a potassium supplement such as K-10 then it is important that you take me medication at the same time every day. Since this in an oral powder medication you will need to mix the medication with 4-8 ounces of water or juice. Do not premix the medication ahead of time. It is important that you take the medication immediately after it is mixed. It is easier on the stomach if you take the medication after a meal. If your medical doctor has directed you to take this medication in a different manner, then you should follow his direction. If you have any questions call your doctor or ask your pharmacist.
K-10 needs to be taken on a regular basis to produce it’s maximum benefit. You should follow your doctors recommended dosage, because too much potassium in the blood is a bad thing. It can cause a condition called hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can cause changes in altered heartbeats and skeletal problems.
Patients with allergies to medications should make sure that their doctor and pharmacists are well aware of what medications they are allergic too. Some medications contain food products and dyes. It is important that your doctor and pharmacist know about these allergies as well.
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to their medical doctor about the risks of taking potassium supplements. K-10 is not known to have any ill effects on the health of unborn humans. Potassium does pass through breast milk; however there have not been any reports of problems in nursing babies.
Side effects of K-10 include nausea, upset stomach, gas, and diarrhea. You can reduce the onset of stomach problems by taking the proper dose as your doctor directed and taking the medication after a meal. If the side effects worsen or do not go away you should contact your doctor immediately. Elderly people may be more susceptible to the side effects of this medication, because kidney function decreases with age. K-10 is filtered through you kidneys.
This drug is very unlikely to produce a serious allergic reaction; however the risk of allergic reaction is apparent in all medications. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: Rash, dizziness, swelling and difficulty breathing. If you think that you are allergic to K-10 you should stop using the medication and contact your doctor.
K-10 should not be used in people who have certain preexisting health conditions. You should not take this medication if you have high potassium levels in your blood or if you have chronic kidney failure. K-10 can make these conditions worse. It is important that your doctor know your full medical history so that he will be able to decide if this is the right medication for you. Make sure that you inform your doctor if you have ever had a severe kidney disease, heart problems, or high potassium levels in your blood.
You should also inform your health care professional if you are taking any other medications. It is especially important that your doctor know if you are taking any form of water pills. Your doctor will know which medications react poorly with K-10; therefore you should not stop taking any other medications without first consulting your doctor. You should not take K-10 oral if you are taking any other potassium supplements.
If you feel that you may have overdosed on this medication then you should call your local poison control center and get to your nearest emergency room. Overdose symptoms can include tingling in the hands and feet, disorientation, chest pain and shortness of breath. The phone number for the national poison control hotline in the United States is 1-800-222-1222.
Keep your K-10 medication out of the reach of children. It should be stored at room temperature and kept away from moisture. You should not store this medication in moist places such as the bathroom or below the kitchen sink. Make sure that you dispose of this medication in the proper way once it expires.
