Sandoz-K (Potassium Chloride)

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Sando-K if you:

• have heart disease or you are taking digitalis (a drug for heart failure)
• have sti muscles (myotonia congenital)
• have severe breakdown of red blood cells
• have a build-up of acid in your blood - your blood will need to be monitored
• have high blood pressure - your treatment may lower it
• are taking potassium sparing diuretics (water tablets)
• are taking ACE inhibitors (treatments for high blood pressure or heart failure e.g. captopril, enalapril and lisinopril).

Each tablet contains 470 mg Potassium (12 mmol). This should be taken into consideration if you have reduced kidney function.

Periodic blood tests and electrocardiographs (ECG) should be performed whilst you are taking Sando-K.

Other medicines and Sando-K

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.

In particular, the following medicines may interact with Sando-K:

• potassium sparing diuretics (water tablets)
• ACE inhibitors (treatments for high blood pressure or heart failure)
• digitalis (a drug for heart failure)

It may still be all right for you to be given Sando-K and your doctor will be able to decide what is suitable for you.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.

Driving and using machines

Sando-K should have no effect on your ability to drive or use machines.

Sando-K contains sucrose

If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.

Do not take Sando-K if you

• are allergic to potassium chloride, potassium bicarbonate or any of the other ingredients of Sando-K. An allergic reaction may include rash, itching, difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue.
• have a severe kidney disorder with little or no urine production 
• suffer from uncontrolled Addison's disease (where the adrenal glands do not produce enough of a hormone called cortisol). 
• have high potassium levels
• have crush injuries (which usually result from major trauma e.g. major road traffic injuries with damage to the chest).
• are dehydrated.

Please read the instructions before using Sando-K Effervescent Tablets.

Adults and children

The recommended dose is:

• 2-4 tablets per day dissolved in ⅓ to ½ glass of water (50-70 ml).
• The tablets can be taken at meal times if preferred.
• For very low potassium levels: larger doses (8-16 tablets per day) may be given.

If you take more Sando-K than you should

you may get pins and needles in your fingers and toes, feel confused, weak, paralysed or listless and have low blood pressure or heart problems. If you take too many tablets, go to the nearest casualty department or contact your doctor immediately. Take your tablet container with you.

If you forget to take Sando-K

If you miss a dose, take one as soon as you can. If you have missed several doses, tell your doctor. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Sando-K

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Do not store above 25ºC. Store in the original tube. Keep the tube tightly closed in order to protect from moisture.

Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment. Recycle the empty packaging where possible.

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. All medicines can cause allergic reactions, although serious allergic reactions are very rare.

Tell your doctor straight away If you get:

• Any sudden wheeziness
• Difficulty in breathing
• Swelling of the eyelids, face or lips
• Rash or itching (especially affecting your whole body)

The following side effects have also been reported:

• Abdominal (tummy) discomfort
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach irritation