Health Library

Parenteral electrolyte, potassium (By injection)

Provides your body with extra potassium.

Brand Name(s):

potassium acetate Novaplus

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. You will need to mix this medicine with another solution before using it.
• Do not use this medicine if the liquid looks cloudy or has solid pieces floating in it. Do not use the medicine if it is leaking from the bag or container. If your medicine comes in a single-dose vial, throw away any medicine that is left over after you have removed your dose from the vial. Carefully follow all instructions for preparing and using this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets. Follow any special instructions about how to throw away empty medicine bottles, tubes, or bags.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using corticotropin or other steroids such as dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, or Medrol®. Make sure your doctor knows if you are using a heart medicine called digoxin (Lanoxin®, Digitek®). There are other medicines that may interact with potassium. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
• Do not use any other mineral supplements or electrolytes (such as GoLYTELY®, Pedialyte®, or Gatorade®) without asking your doctor first.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Your potassium needs may be different than normal.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have a history of breathing problems, diabetes, a narrowed or blocked urinary tract, or kidney disease. Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, congestive heart failure, heart rhythm problems, or if you are on a low-salt diet. Make sure your doctor knows about any other health problems you have.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Giving this medicine too quickly may be dangerous, possibly even life-threatening. If you are using this medicine at home, follow the instructions from your doctor or pharmacist when using this medicine. Always use the IV pump and other equipment as recommended by your doctor or pharmacist.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Confusion, weakness, trouble moving, or seizures.
• Fast or uneven heartbeat.
• New coughing or trouble breathing.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips.
• Pain, redness, or swelling where the medicine is given.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, or rapid weight gain.
• Trouble urinating, or a change in how much or how often you urinate.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, nausea or vomiting.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024