Interactions

If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use potassium without first talking to your health care provider.

The following medications may cause potassium levels to rise:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): People who have poor kidney function and take NSAIDs are at higher risk.
• ACE inhibitors: These drugs treat high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, some chronic kidney diseases, migraines, and scleroderma. People who take ACE inhibitors and also take NSAIDs, potassium-sparing diuretics, or salt substitutes may be particularly vulnerable to hyperkalemia (too much potassium). A rise in potassium from ACE inhibitors may also be more likely in people with poor kidney function and diabetes. ACE inhibitors include
  • Benazepril (Lotensin)
  • Captopril (Capoten)
  • Enlapril (Vasotec)
  • Fosinopril (Monopril)
  • Lisinopril (Zestril)
  • Moexipril (Univasc)
  • Peridopril (Aceon)
  • Ramipril (Altace)
  • Trandolapril (Mavik)
• Heparin (used for blood clots)
• Cyclosporine (used to suppress the immune system)
• Trimethoprimand sulfamethoxazole, called Bactrim or Septra (an antibiotic)
• Beta-blockers: Used to treat high blood pressure, glaucoma, migraines
  • Atenolol (Tenormin)
  • Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL)
  • Propranolol (Inderal)

The following medications may cause potassium levels to decrease:

• Thiazide diuretics
  • Hydrochlorothiazide
  • Chlorothiazide (Diuril)
  • Indapamide (Lozol)
  • Metolzaone (Zaroxolyn)
• Loop diuretics
  • Furosemide (Lasix)
  • Bumetanide (Bumex)
  • Torsemide (Demadex)
  • Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin)
• Corticosteroids
• Amphotericin B (Fungizone)
• Antacids
• Insulin
• Fluconazole (Diflucan): Used to treat fungal infections
• Theophylline (TheoDur): Used for asthma
• Laxatives

If you are taking any of these medications, it is important for your doctor to test your potassium levels to see whether or not you need a supplement. Do not start taking a supplement on your own.

Other potential interactions include:

Digoxin -- Low blood levels of potassium increase the likelihood of toxic effects from digoxin, a medication used to treat abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure. Your doctor will test your potassium levels to make sure they stay normal.