Micro-K

Generic name: Potassium Chloride Extended-Release Capsules
Drug class: Minerals and electrolytes

Medically reviewed by A Ras MD.

What is Micro-K used for?

Micro-K is a prescription medicine that is used to treat or prevent low potassium levels.

Description

Micro-K® Extencaps® Capsules and Micro-K® 10 Extencaps® Capsules are oral dosage forms of microencapsulated potassium chloride containing 600 and 750 mg, respectively, of potassium chloride, USP, equivalent to 8 and 10 mEq of potassium, respectively.

Dispersibility of potassium chloride (KCI) is accomplished by microencapsulation and a dispersing agent. The resultant flow characteristics of the KCI microcapsules and the controlled release of K+ ions by the microcapsular membrane are intended to avoid the possibility that excessive amounts of KCI can be localized at any point on the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract.

Before taking Micro-K, tell your doctor:

If you are allergic to Micro-K; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you have high potassium levels.
If you are taking any of these drugs: Amiloride, eplerenone, spironolactone, or triamterene.
If you have any of these health problems: A bowel block, slow-moving GI (gastrointestinal) tract, or slow stomach clearing.
If you have heart disease with swallowing tube (esophagus) problems.
If you take other drugs called anticholinergics, like ipratropium or oxybutynin. Ask your doctor if you are not sure if any of your drugs are anticholinergic.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Micro-K with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Micro-K?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take Micro-K. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
Do not take more than what your doctor told you to take. Taking more than you are told may raise your chance of very bad side effects.
If your diet has low-salt foods or you are taking a salt substitute, talk with your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is Micro-K best taken?

Use Micro-K as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

Take with or right after a meal.
Take with a full glass of water.
Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
Do not suck on this product.
If you have trouble swallowing, talk with your doctor.
You may sprinkle contents of capsule on applesauce or other soft food. Do not chew. Swallow right away and follow with water or juice.
Do not mix with hot food.
After mixing, take your dose right away. Do not store for future use.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are the side effects of Micro-K that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of a high potassium level like a heartbeat that does not feel normal; change in thinking clearly and with logic; feeling weak, lightheaded, or dizzy; feel like passing out; numbness or tingling; or shortness of breath.
Slow heartbeat.
Chest pain or pressure.
Signs of bowel problems like black, tarry, or bloody stools; fever; mucus in the stools; throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds; or very bad stomach pain, constipation, or diarrhea.
Swelling of belly.

What are some other side effects of Micro-K?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Stomach pain or diarrhea.
Upset stomach or throwing up.
Gas.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Micro-K?

Store at room temperature protected from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.