Potassium Chloride and Valturna

In the database of official manuals used in the service creation an interaction registered by statistical results of studies was found, which can either lead to negative consequences for the patient health or strengthen a mutual positive effect. A doctor should be consulted to address the issue of joint drug administration.

Talk to your doctor before using potassium chloride together with valsartan. Combining these medications may significantly increase potassium levels in the blood. High levels of potassium can develop into a condition known as hyperkalemia, which in severe cases can lead to kidney failure, muscle paralysis, irregular heart rhythm, and cardiac arrest. You may be more likely to develop hyperkalemia while using these medications if you are elderly, dehydrated, or have kidney disease, diabetes, or advanced heart failure. Regular or long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen (Aleve) may also increase your risk. It is important that you maintain adequate fluid intake during treatment with these medications. In addition, talk to your doctor to see if you should limit consumption of potassium-rich foods such as tomatoes, raisins, figs, potatoes, lima beans, bananas, plantains, papayas, pears, cantaloupes, mangoes, and potassium-containing salt substitutes. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. You should seek medical attention if you experience nausea, vomiting, weakness, confusion, tingling of the hands and feet, feelings of heaviness in the legs, a weak pulse, or a slow or irregular heartbeat, as these may be symptoms of hyperkalemia. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

MONITOR CLOSELY: Concomitant use of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and potassium salts may increase the risk of hyperkalemia. Inhibition of angiotensin II results in decreased aldosterone secretion, which in turn causes potassium retention. Risk factors for developing severe or life-threatening hyperkalemia may include renal impairment, diabetes, old age, severe or worsening heart failure, dehydration, and concomitant use of other agents that block the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system or otherwise increase serum potassium levels.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if angiotensin II receptor blockers must be used concurrently with potassium salts, particularly in patients with renal impairment, diabetes, old age, severe or worsening heart failure, dehydration, or concomitant therapy with other agents that increase serum potassium such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, beta-blockers, cyclosporine, heparin, tacrolimus, and trimethoprim. The combination should generally be avoided in these patients unless absolutely necessary and the benefits outweigh the potential risks. Serum potassium and renal function should be checked prior to initiating therapy and regularly thereafter. Patients should be given counseling on the appropriate levels of potassium and fluid intake, and advised to seek medical attention if they experience signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, listlessness, tingling of the extremities, paralysis, confusion, weak pulse, and a slow or irregular heartbeat.

Potassium Chloride

Generic Name: potassium chloride

Brand name: Kal Potassium 99, Klor-Con, K-Tab, K-Dur, K-Tabs, Micro-K, Kaon, Rum-K

Synonyms: n.a.

What is Potassium Chloride?

Valturna

Generic Name: aliskiren / valsartan

Brand name: Valturna

Synonyms: n.a.

What is Valturna?