Effer-K

Each tablet comes in an individual foil pouch. Keep the tablet in the pouch until you are ready to use it.

Completely dissolve the tablet in 2 to 3 fl oz (about 1/4 to 1/3 of a cup) of cold or iced water before drinking. If taking the unflavored form, you can dissolve it in cold juice. Do not swallow the tablet whole.

Stomach upset is a common side effect of all oral potassium supplements. To prevent stomach upset from Effer-K (potassium bicarbonate), try dissolving it in more fluid, take it with food, and sip it slowly over 5 to 10 minutes.

You'll want to avoid low-salt foods and salt substitutes, since they usually have high amounts of potassium which can make your level go too high. Tell your provider if you are eating these types of foods. Your provider may check your potassium levels more regularly, or adjust your dose of Effer-K (potassium bicarbonate).

Make sure your provider and pharmacist know about all of your other medications. Some medications raise potassium levels, so if you take them with Effer-K (potassium bicarbonate), your potassium level may go too high. Water pills like Lasix (furosemide) lower potassium levels, so your potassium level will go up if you stop taking them, which means you may need to stop taking Effer-K (potassium bicarbonate) as well.

Take Effer-K (potassium bicarbonate) exactly as prescribed. It's hard to tell when your potassium level is too low or too high, so make sure to follow-up with your provider and get your potassium labs checked on a regular basis.

If you have a stomachache that doesn't go away, or notice black-colored stools, these could be signs of injury or bleeding in the stomach or intestines. Let your provider know immediately, since it isn't safe to take Effer-K (potassium bicarbonate) with these conditions.