Heart Failure Treatment With Potassium and Magnesium Supplements
Potassium and magnesium are often prescribed to patients taking diuretics. They replace what can be lost due to increased urination caused by diuretics.
Potassium supplements include:
Understanding Heart Failure -- Symptoms
The symptoms of heart failure can be related to the pooling of fluid in the body or can be secondary to decreased blood flow to the body. Some people with heart failure don't experience symptoms, but here are some of the more common signs: Shortness of breath with exercise or difficulty breathing at rest or when lying . Swollen legs, ankles, or abdomen Dry, hacking cough, or wheezing Other symptoms may include: Fatigue, palpitations, or pain during normal activities Weight ...
Read the Understanding Heart Failure -- Symptoms article > >
- Kaochlor 10%
- Kaon CL
- Kay Ciel
- K-Lor
- Klotrix
- K-Lyte
- Slow-K
- K-Dur
Magnesium supplements include:
- Mag-Ox
- Uro-Mag
How Do I Take Potassium and Magnesium Supplements?
Take potassium and magnesium supplements right after meals or with food. Follow the label directions on how often to take it. The number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses and how long you need to take it will depend on the type of medication prescribed, as well as your condition.
What Are the Side Effects of Potassium and Magnesium Supplements?
Possible side effects of potassium and magnesium supplements include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Take the medication with or right after meals with a full glass of water or fruit juice. If these side effects continue, contact your doctor. If you take controlled-release tablets or capsules and experience severe vomiting or vomit blood and abdominal pain or swelling, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor right away.
- Black, tarry, or bloody stools (signs of stomach bleeding). Contact your doctor right away.
- 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. Contact your doctor right away.
Should I Avoid Certain Food or Drugs While Taking Potassium and Magnesium?
If taking magnesium or potassium supplements:
- If you are using a salt substitute, tell your doctor. Many salt substitutes contain potassium. Follow your doctor's dietary guidelines for including potassium foods in your diet.
- Your doctor will consider the other heart failure drugs you are taking, such as ACE inhibitors or certain diuretics, when determining your potassium dosage.
Other Guidelines for Taking Potassium and Magnesium
- While taking potassium or magnesium, have your blood pressure checked regularly, as advised by your doctor.
- Keep all appointments with your doctor and the lab so that your response to the drug can be monitored.
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