you ask a great question. many popular diuretics (aka: "water pills") used to manage heart disease (usually high blood pressure) have a specific side effect: they reduce potassium levels in the blood. this is important because potassium helps regulate your heart rhythm. low potassium levels can cause an irregular heartbeat or even a heart attack. this is why people who take hydrochlorothyazide (hctz) are given a potassium supplement. taking the supplement helps keep potassium levels normal in the bloodstream. if someone has been given hctz and was not told to take a potassium supplement you should call the cardiologist or other medical professional to find out why. if the person was told to take a potassium supplement with their hctz and they are not doing it you should let them know they could be endangering their health. if you have any questions contact your (or the person's) heart doctor for more information about hctz and potassium. wishing you well!
should potassium be given when taking hydrochlorothiazide 125 mg cp. what the affects if potassium is not taken potassium be given when taking hydrochlorothiazide 12. 5 mg cp