Can't get them to taste Effer-K

We have introduced Effer-K at several pharmacist, nurse and physician conferences. We always like to offer samples of Effer-K. The funny thing is - it's hard to get people to try it. Many pharmacists, physicians and nurses have tried or have seen patients try potassium chloride... which tastes very salty. So - they assume - since Effer-K is also a form of potassium repletion - it too will taste unpalatable.

What many don't immediately understand is that Effer-K is potassium citrate - the potassium found naturally in fruits. Potassium chloride is KCl. KCl is similar in structure to NaCl, sodium chloride (salt). The Cl is what contributes to the unpalatable taste. Because Effer-K does not contain Chloride - it tastes nothing like potassium chloride.

So - the lesson is - don't be afraid to try Effer-K! You might actually like it. Oh - and Effer-K is available in unflavored as well - so you can dissolve you Effer-K tablet in your beverage of choice.

Potassium chloride tablets and capsules warning labels.

It is common knowledge that potassium chloride tablets and capsules can irritate the esophagus and cause stomach ulcers. Potassium chloride tablets and capsules are also quite large and for some patients - impossible to swallow.

For those patients that are able to handle the potassium chloride there is now another unfortunate downside: patients are instructed that they must not lie down for 30 minutes after taking the potassium chloride. In fact, it is now required that pharmacists must label potassium chloride tablets and capsules with this warning.

For the elderly and infirm, "not lying down" can be an impossible guideline to follow. Fortunately, potassium citrate (Effer-K), does not have this restriction and might be a good alternative for this population.