Potassium Bicarbonate Uses
Potassium Bicarbonate: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes potassium bicarbonate as a safe substance, when used appropriately. The FDA limits over-the-counter potassium supplements to 100 milligrams per dosage. The FDA also specifies no knowledge of long-term studies that show this substance is hazardous.
Potassium is an important nutrient and electrolyte. It’s found in many foods. Fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, potatoes, and spinach are excellent sources. Potassium is necessary for cardiovascular health, strong bones, and muscle function. It supports the ability of muscles to contract. This makes it important for maintaining a strong, regular heartbeat, and for digestive health. Potassium can also help counter the negative effects of a diet that is too acidic.
Abnormally low levels of this mineral can result in:
- muscle weakness and cramping
- irregular heartbeat
- gastric distress
- low energy
Potassium bicarbonate supplements may help to counter these effects.
Potassium Bicarbonate Formula
Potassium is a mineral that is found naturally in foods and is necessary for many normal functions of your body, especially the beating of your heart.
Potassium bicarbonate is used to prevent or to treat a potassium deficiency (hypokalemia).
Potassium bicarbonate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Avoid taking potassium supplements or using other products that contain potassium without first asking your doctor. Salt substitutes or low-salt dietary products often contain potassium. If you take certain products together you may accidentally get too much potassium. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains potassium.
Potassium bicarbonate is classified as a category C substance. This means it’s not recommended for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It’s not currently known if potassium bicarbonate can pass into breast milk or if it will harm a nursing baby. If you’re pregnant or nursing, be sure to discuss your use of this supplement with your doctor.
There are many other medicines that can interact with potassium bicarbonate. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.
What Is Potassium Bicarbonate
the blood. A normal level of potassium in the blood is important. Potassium helps your cells, kidneys, heart, muscles, and nerves work properly. Most people get enough potassium by eating a well-balanced diet. Some conditions that can lower your body’s potassium level include severe prolonged diarrhea and vomiting, hormone problems such as hyperaldosteronism, or treatment with “water pills”/diuretics.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 4 times daily. To prevent stomach upset, take each dose with a meal. Dissolve the prescribed number of tablets in at least 4 ounces (120 milliliters) of cold water or juice per tablet. After the tablets are fully dissolved, sip the liquid slowly over 5 to 10 minutes. If you have upset stomach, mixing your dose in a larger amount of liquid may help.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if you have symptoms of low potassium in the blood (such as irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness/cramps).
Potassium Bicarbonate Fungicides
Potassium is an important nutrient that your body uses to form muscle, regulate the function of the nervous system, and keep a steady pH level. Certain health conditions or medications can cause potassium levels to become too high, which is called hyperkalemia, or too low, which is called hypokalemia.
In cases where blood potassium is too low, a supplement of potassium bicarbonate may be given to bring the potassium level back to normal. However, it should be taken with caution. Too much potassium can be harmful. Learn more about both the benefits and risks of potassium bicarbonate.
Potassium is an electrolyte that is important to several body functions. Most people can receive enough of it by eating a varied diet that includes foods containing potassium. However, there are some conditions or medications that may cause potassium levels to drop. When this is the case, a potassium bicarbonate supplement may be prescribed by a physician.
Hypokalemia
Low levels of potassium in the blood can lead to health problems. For that reason, a supplement with potassium bicarbonate may be given. The supplement will raise the level of potassium in the blood and reverse the hypokalemia.
Low potassium levels may lead to health problems and symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, diarrhea or upset stomach, and irregular heartbeat.
Low potassium levels may need to be checked periodically via a blood test to see if the level has come into a normal range. Since potassium performs a range of vital functions inside the body, it is necessary to ensure your potassium levels are normal.
Preserving Bone and Muscle
A diet that is lower in fruits and vegetables and higher in grains and protein can contribute to bone and muscle loss, especially in people older than 50. One study showed that a supplement of potassium bicarbonate could help slow down the loss of calcium and other nutrients that support good bone health and prevent damage.
Kidney Stones
Some preliminary studies show that supplements of potassium bicarbonate and potassium citrate may help in dissolving certain types of kidney stones. However, note that there are currently no large studies confirming this effect—using potassium bicarbonate to treat kidney stones is not done on a regular basis.
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