SLOW-K

Slow-K Used For

Slow-K is prescribed for patients who fail to get enough potassium from their regular diet or have lost too much potassium because of illness or treatment with certain medicines. Potassium is very necessary for maintenance of a healthy body and can usually be supplied through a balanced diet, but occasionally needs to be supplemented externally.

Directions for Slow-K

Following is the recommended dosage of Slow-K: To replace potassium lost by the body: Adults and teenagers - 40 to 100 milliequivalents (mEq) a day, divided into two or three smaller doses during the day. A change in dosage may be indicated by the doctor as required. To prevent potassium loss: Adults and teenagers - 16 to 24 mEq a day, divided into two or three smaller doses during the day, with changes as indicated by the doctor. The maximum dose of Slow-K should not be more than 100 mEq a day.

How Slow-K works

Patients on Slow-K should not use salt substitutes, eat low-sodium foods (especially some breads and canned foods) or drink low sodium milk without advice from the doctor since there products may contain potassium and lead to an overdose of potassium. It is advisable to consult a doctor before starting any physical exercise program while on Slow-K, especially if you are out of condition and are taking any other medicine, since this might lead to an increase in the level of potassium in the blood. Blackish stools or other signs of stomach or intestinal bleeding should be brought to the notice of a doctor immediately. This medicine may cause such a condition to become worse, especially when taken in tablet form.

Slow-K side effects

Like all other medicines, Slow-K also has its side effects which include confusion, irregular or slow heartbeat, numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips, shortness of breath or difficult breathing, unexplained anxiety, unusual tiredness or weakness, weakness or heaviness of legs, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, discomfort, or mild gas, vomiting, abdominal or stomach pain, cramping, or continuing soreness, chest or throat pain, especially when swallowing & stools with signs of blood (red or black in color). It is advisable to consult a doctor immediately if any of the above listed side effects get aggravated or persist over an extended period.

Other Slow-K information

This medicine should be taken immediately following meals or with food to lessen possible stomach upset and laxative side effects. Directions of the doctor for taking this medicine should be followed at all times. Do not take more of it or more often or for a longer time than prescribed by the doctor. This is particularly important for patients who are taking both diuretics and digitalis medicines for the heart in addition to Slow-K.