Potassium Chloride for People With Edema

Potassium chloride consists of two elements, potassium and chlorine. Potassium is an essential mineral that the body needs in order to function properly. It is needed for the heart, muscles and kidneys and for the digestive and nervous systems.

Edema

• Edema is swelling due to fluid retention.

Importance of Potassium Chloride

• Potassium chloride may be taken as a supplement by patients being treated with a diuretic for edema.

Taking Potassium

• Potassium chloride comes in a number of forms to be taken orally: tablets, capsules, granules, powders and liquids. It is taken with a glass of juice or water, usually at meal times.

Deficiency

• People usually get enough potassium in their food, but if they are taking diuretics or water pills for edema then potassium can be lost from the body. In this case, potassium supplements may be necessary in order to keep the body healthy.

Side Effects

• Potassium chloride can cause vomiting, diarrhea and upset stomachs. More serious side effects, which require immediate medical attention, are listlessness, confusion, stomach pain, a bulging stomach, black stools, weak or heavy legs, pale or cold skin and tingling or other unusual sensations in the legs, feet, hands or arms.