Potassium is needed to maintain good health. Although a balanced diet usually supplies all the potassium a person needs, potassium supplements may be needed by patients who do not have enough potassium in their regular diet or have lost too much potassium because of illness or treatment with certain medicines.

Since too much potassium may cause health problems, you should take potassium supplements only if directed by your doctor.

You should not use Potassium Chloride if you have had an unusual or allergic reaction to any medicine that has potassium in it. You should not use Potassium Chloride if you have severe kidney disease.

* Confusion
* Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
* Numb hands or feet
* Excessive weakness or heaviness of legs
* Trouble breathing
* Severe stomach pain or vomitin
* Pain in chest or throat
* Red or black stools with diarrhea

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

* Mild nausea or cramps * Stomach discomfort, loose stools