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Slow-K Side Effects

Generic name: potassium chloride

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 25, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about potassium chloride. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Slow-K.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to potassium chloride: compounding powder, intravenous solution, oral capsule extended release, oral granule extended release, oral liquid, oral powder for reconstitution, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

Metabolic

Hyperkalemia can cause muscle weakness, paresthesia of the extremities, listlessness, mental confusion, flaccid paralysis, cold skin, grey pallor, peripheral vascular collapse, fall in blood pressure, paralysis, cardiac arrhythmias, and heart block. Electrocardiogram abnormalities include disappearance of the P-wave, widening and slurring of QRS complex, changes of the S-T segment, tall peaked T-waves. At extremely high concentrations (8 to 11 mmol/L) may cause death from cardiac depression, arrhythmias, or arrest.[Ref]

Frequency not reported: Hyperkalemia (including cardiac arrest as a manifestation), hypervolemia, hyponatremia and hyponatremic encephalopathy, hypokalemia[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting, flatulence, abdominal pain/discomfort, diarrhea, obstruction, bleeding, ulceration, perforation, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, local irritation of the mucosa

Postmarketing reports: Delayed intestinal transit[Ref]

Local

Frequency not reported: Injection site pain, injection site phlebitis, infection at injection site, venous thrombosis extending from site of injection, extravasation[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Frequency not reported: Cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac arrest[Ref]

Dermatologic

Rare (less than 0.1%): Skin rash

Frequency not reported: Urticaria, pruritus[Ref]

Other

Frequency not reported: Febrile response[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

References

1. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.

3. Product Information. Klor-Con M10 (potassium chloride). Upsher-Smith Laboratories Inc. 2016.

4. Product Information. Potassium Chloride (potassium chloride). Pharmaceutical Assoc Inc Div Beach Products. 2016.

5. Product Information. Potassium Chloride In Dextrose and S (LVP solution with potassium). B Braun Medical Inc, Irvine, CA.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.