Facts

• Potassium chloride is a chemical compound symbolized by KCI. It is a metal halide (binary compound) made up of potassium and chlorine. According to Chemistry Daily, potassium chloride is a colorless crystal that has a face-centered cubic structure. It is naturally occurring in the mineral sylvite, and is a soluble ionic chloride. It is used to treat potassium deficiency, which, according to Drugs.com, has a variety of medical effects, including weakness, fatigue, drowsiness, low blood pressure, muscle cramps, abnormal heart rate and nausea.
  
  

Uses

• According to Chemistry Daily, the potassium chloride is used mostly for the production of fertilizer. Fertilizers stimulate plant growth by increasing plants' intake of potassium. Other uses include food processing, as well as the manufacturing of potassium metal and potassium hydroxide. Furthermore, some states also use potassium chloride as part of the three-drug cocktail in lethal injections. Sometimes it is even used in water softening as an alternative to sodium chloride.
  
  

Interactions

• According to Peace Health, many salt substitutes contain potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride. These are recommended for people who follow sodium-restricted diets.
  Individuals who use digitalis-containing products (plants that are chemically similar to the drug digoxin) should monitor their potassium intake, since low serum (a blood component) potassium can increase the the risk of digitalis toxicity.
  
  

Dosage

• According to Chemistry Daily, potassium chloride is toxic at more than 2,500 mg/kg (the approximate toxicity of regular table salt).
  
  

Warning

• According to Drugs.com, individuals who have experienced kidney failure, Addison disease, dehydration and sever burns should abstain from ingesting potassium chloride. Potassium choloride pills and tablets should be taken with meals. Side effects include stomach pain, numbness, changes in heartbeat and muscle weakness. Furthermore, potassium chloride is also harmful to fetuses. As a result, expectant mothers should consult their physicians because scientists do not yet know whether potassium chloride can be passed down through breast milk to the fetus.