Effects of Potassium Chloride and Coumadin

According to drugs.com, an online resource for drug information, potassium chloride is used to treat low potassium levels in the blood. Potassium is a mineral needed for the body to function properly and is vital to the health of the heart. Potassium chloride is colorless and comes in a solid or powder form. Coumadin is a blood thinner, or anticoagulant, that is prescribed to prevent and treat blood clotting. Each drug has several positive effects and side effects.

Potassium Chloride--Positive Effects

• Potassium chloride is used to prevent or treat low levels of potassium in the blood. Low potassium levels may result from certain diseases and medications. An article on potassium chloride on drugs.com states that prolonged diarrhea and vomiting as a result of illness can also deplete potassium levels. Potassium chloride helps to regulate low potassium levels and promote healthier bodily and heart functions.

Potassium Chloride--Side Effects

• According to drugs.com, several conditions may make the intake of potassium chloride harmful. Patients with hyperkalemia, or high levels of potassium in the blood; kidney failure; a substantial tissue injury; a severe burn or Addison's disease; or an adrenal gland disorder may need to adjust the dosage of potassium chloride or take additional tests in order to safely take the drug. Pregnant women or patients suffering from dehydration, heart disease or high blood pressure should consult a doctor before using the drug. The use of certain diuretics, or water pills, can also be harmful in conjunction with potassium chloride.

Coumadin--Positive Effects

• Drugs.com states that Coumadin is used to prevent and treat blood clotting within blood vessels and the lungs. It is also used to prevent and treat blood clots associated with heart conditions, including heart attacks, and heart-valve replacement. Coumadin reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes after heart attacks.

Coumadin--Side Effects

• According to drugs.com, there are several risks associated with taking Coumadin, including hemorrhage, or severe bleeding, and necrosis, the destruction of skin tissue cells. Both severe hemorrhaging and necrosis can result in death or disability. Symptoms of hemorrhage include pain in the chest, abdomen, joints and muscles; difficulty breathing or swallowing; headache; dizziness; numbness; tingling and swelling. The patient should consult a doctor before using the drug if he or she suffers from a tendency to hemorrhage; alcoholism; certain blood conditions; high blood pressure; certain inflammations; or aneurysm, a swelling of a blood vessel. There may be added risks associated with pregnancy or surgery related to the central nervous system.