subject: Why Is Potassium Chloride Used? [print this page] Potassium chloride(KCl, CAS: 7447-40-7), also known as kalium chloratum, kali muriaticum, or kali mur, is naturally found in the mineral sylvine. It is used to treat a wide range of ailments, most commonly chronic congestion. Kali mur is a nutritional supplement that is used to treat potassium deficiency. Potassium is an electrolyte that is needed by every cell in the human body. It is important that blood levels of potassium stay within a certain range. Potassium chloride can correct low potassium levels, but it can also cause elevated potassium levels if the recommended dosage is exceeded, or you have certain conditions or take certain medications.
Potassium chloride is available in tablets or capsules. It is also available in liquid, powder or injection form. It is commonly given intravenously to patients with low potassium levels. Tablets or capsules may be prescribed to patients with a potassium deficiency. Potassium chloride in a pill form should be taken with food.
Medical Effects
One of the most popular uses of kali mur is in the treatment of congestion. Homeopathic medicine practitioners believe that congestion is broken down into three stages. It is usually recommended during the second stage of nasal and chest congestion, when the mucosal discharge is white or gray in color, instead of clear or green in color.
If someone is suffering from a severe sore throat or tonsillitis,the drugmay be recommended as well. Many homeopathic medicine practitioners will view the back of the throat. A thick white coating on the tonsils is one of the telltale signs that some practitioners look for to determine if the mineral is needed.
There are other common uses for kali mur, as well. For example, it is often recommended for middle ear infections. In addition, if the Eustachian tube that connects the back of the nose to the middle ear becomes blocked or infected, it may also prove helpful. This is particularly true if there are heavy, white secretions in the Eustachian tubes. Kali mur may help relieve the symptoms to reduce the duration of the deafness.
Adverse Reactions
For example, if the stool turns black, it may be a sign of bleeding in the stomach or intestines; there also have been reports of extreme nausea and vomiting. Nausea, abdominal discomfort, flatulence, vomiting and diarrhea are common gastrointestinal reactions to potassium chloride. It is important to follow the dosage recommended by a physician to avoid complications arising from high potassium levels. The product also can raise levels of potassium chloride in the body which can lead to problems with heart rhythms and confusion.
As with any medical product, a professional should be consulted before using kali mur. It should not generally be used by people with ulcers or irritated stomachs. In addition, people using potassium-sparing diuretics should not use the product.
