Potassium Interactions
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Interactions with Medications and Supplements
The following are the medications and supplements that are more likely to cause a reaction with potassium supplements:
- ACE inhibitors (Captopril, Enalapril, Llisinopril
ACE inhibitors such as captopril, enalapril, and lisinopril (used for people with high blood pressure and heart failure) taken together with potassium supplements, can elevate blood potassium levels. - Amiloride
Amiloride, a medication used for reducing blood pressure and fluid retention can cause potassium levels to be highly elevated so taking potassium supplements with this medication is not advised, as it can result in a condition called hyperkalaemia (high blood potassium levels), which has serious and adverse health implications. - Atropine or Belladonna
If potassium supplements are taken at the same time as Atropine (which is derived from Belladonna), a medication use to control diarrhoea, could cause an exacerbation of the side effects of this medication, which are: gastrointestinal problems, including ulcers and vomiting. - Beta-blockers (Metoprolol and Propranolol)
Beta-blockers such as metoprolol and propranolol (used to treat people with high blood pressure and arrhythmias) taken at the same time as potassium supplements can decrease the uptake of potassium from the blood into the cells, causing an excess of potassium in the blood, which is a potentially dangerous condition - hyperkalaemia - Calcium
If potassium supplements are taken at the same time as calcium supplements, the combination can increase the risk of having irregular heartbeat. - Cortisone
Cortisone (use to treat inflammatory disorders such as arthritis) can cause low blood levels of potassium as a side effect and if taken with potassium, may inactivate the potassium and decrease the effect of the supplement. - Cyclosporine
Cyclosporine (used after organ transplant to prevent rejection of the new organ) can cause high blood potassium levels (Hyperkalaemia) as a side effect, so if it is taken at the same time as potassium supplements may cause dangerously high blood levels of potassium. Potassium supplements should not be taken with Cyclosporine.
Potassium has adverse reactions with a number of medications as well as supplements
- Digitalis preparations
Digitalis preparations (used to treat heart disease) can cause interfere with potassium absorption by either increasing or decreasing it and if this medications is taken with potassium supplements, can cause an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). Potassium supplements should not be taken with digitalis preparations. - Diuretics
Diuretics such as Spironolactone, Tramterene, Thiazide and Loop diuretics (used to lower blood pressure and for heart failure) can cause low blood levels of potassium as a side effect and if taken with potassium, may inactivate the potassium and decrease the effect of the supplement. - Heparin
Heparin (used to break up blood clots in arteries) may increase risk of elevation of potassium levels (hyperkalaemia) when taken with a potassium supplement. - Laxatives
Laxatives (used to empty the bowels) may increase elimination of potassium and cause lowered blood potassium levels. - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (used to relieve inflammation and pain) may cause an elevated risk of blood potassium levels (hyperkalaemia). Potassium supplements should not be taken with NSAIDs. - Theophylline
Theophylline (used to treat COPD and asthma) may increase elimination of potassium and cause lowered blood potassium levels. - Tramterene
Triamterene is a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt, if taken at the same time as potassium supplements may cause an elevated risk of blood potassium levels (hyperkalaemia). Potassium supplements should not be taken with Tramterene - Trimethoprim
Trimethoprim (an antibiotic used for bacterial infections), if taken at the same time as potassium supplements may cause an elevated risk of blood potassium levels (hyperkalaemia). Potassium supplements should not be taken with Trimethoprim. - Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin), if taken together with potassium supplements, especially if the vitamin B12 (cobalamin) supplements are extended-release tablets, can reduce absorption of vitamin B12 (cobalamin).