Potassium and medications.
Potassium is in the Distil supplement database, evidence Grade A. The page below lists every medication we have explicitly assessed it against.
Potassium, usually supplemented as potassium citrate, is one of the strongest dietary levers for blood pressure. The evidence is Grade A for blood pressure, and it is worth separating that from the wider cardiovascular claim people often attach to it. The Grade A rests on Whelton 1997, a meta-analysis of 33 randomised trials in which potassium supplementation was the only difference between groups, giving around 3 mmHg off systolic pressure. The WHO-commissioned review by Aburto in 2013 found the blood-pressure effect in people who are hypertensive but not in those who are not, and its results on disease outcomes are mixed rather than uniformly positive: stroke risk was 24% lower, but that figure comes from observational studies of how much potassium people eat rather than from supplement trials, and the same review found no significant effect on cardiovascular disease or coronary heart disease. The DASH trial supports the case for getting potassium from food, since what it tested was a whole diet rather than a capsule. The citrate form also helps prevent oxalate kidney stones. Dietary increase from bananas, potatoes and leafy greens is first-line; UK capsules are capped low at 99 to 200mg for regulatory reasons, so supplements are an adjunct at 400 to 1,000mg a day in divided doses. The interactions here are serious and non-negotiable. Potassium is contraindicated in kidney disease because of hyperkalaemia risk, and it must be flagged to a GP with potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone, with ACE inhibitors like ramipril, and with ARBs like losartan, all of which already raise potassium. Take it with food to limit stomach irritation.
Below are the 26 documented pairs we have explicitly assessed for Potassium: 15 red, 10 amber, and 1 green. The pairs cluster around 4 mechanisms: Additive hyperkalaemia (raised potassium), Digoxin-potassium balance (keep in range), Renal potassium wasting (drug-induced), and Potassium shifted into cells (drug-induced). Every call is cited to either a clinical reference (PMID) or the British National Formulary. Anything not listed here is either still to be assessed or beyond our database scope. The checker beneath surfaces assessments by medication, and the missing-item form at the bottom of the page routes any uncatalogued medication into our next curation pass.
Documented interactions
Last reviewed 1 September 2026. Each interaction below lists the evidence its assessment drew on: some rest on studies of the exact pair, others on mechanism evidence, where a citation may support one part of the reasoning rather than the exact combination. The evidence line on each entry says which.
Additive hyperkalaemia (raised potassium)
Red Does Potassium interact with Amiloride?
Amiloride is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which means it makes the body hold on to potassium. Adding a potassium supplement on top can push potassium to a dangerous level and affect the heart rhythm. This is one of the higher-risk combinations. Do not take potassium with amiloride unless your specialist has advised it and is monitoring your blood potassium closely.
Evidence: Well established across multiple human studies or interaction references.
Red Does Potassium interact with Candesartan cilexetil?
Candesartan raises blood potassium by reducing how much the kidneys pass out. A potassium supplement adds more potassium on top. Together they can push potassium high enough to affect the heart rhythm, which can be dangerous. Do not take a potassium supplement alongside candesartan unless your GP has specifically advised it and is checking your blood potassium.
Evidence: Supported by human study data.
Red Does Potassium interact with Ciclosporin?
Ciclosporin tends to raise blood potassium because it reduces how much potassium the kidneys pass out. A potassium supplement adds more potassium on top, and together they can push potassium high enough to affect the heart rhythm, which can be dangerous. People on ciclosporin are usually under specialist or transplant follow-up with regular blood tests, so do not start a potassium supplement unless that team has specifically advised it and is checking your blood potassium.
Evidence: Well established across multiple human studies or interaction references.
Red Does Potassium interact with Co-trimoxazole?
Co-trimoxazole contains trimethoprim, which makes the body hold on to potassium by acting on the kidney in much the same way as the potassium-sparing diuretic amiloride. Adding a potassium supplement on top can push potassium to a dangerous level and affect the heart rhythm, and in older people on certain heart or blood-pressure medicines this combination has been linked to sudden death. Do not take potassium with co-trimoxazole unless your specialist has advised it and is monitoring your blood potassium closely.
Evidence: Well established across multiple human studies or interaction references.
Red Does Potassium interact with Enalapril maleate?
Enalapril raises blood potassium by reducing how much the kidneys pass out. A potassium supplement adds more potassium on top. Together they can push potassium high enough to affect the heart rhythm, which can be dangerous. Do not take a potassium supplement alongside enalapril unless your GP has specifically advised it and is checking your blood potassium.
Evidence: Supported by human study data.
Red Does Potassium interact with Eplerenone?
Eplerenone is a potassium-sparing medicine that makes the body hold on to potassium. Adding a potassium supplement on top can push potassium to a dangerous level and affect the heart rhythm. This is one of the higher-risk combinations. Do not take potassium with eplerenone unless your specialist has advised it and is monitoring your blood potassium closely.
Evidence: Well established across multiple human studies or interaction references.
Red Does Potassium interact with Irbesartan?
Irbesartan raises blood potassium by reducing how much the kidneys pass out. A potassium supplement adds more potassium on top. Together they can push potassium high enough to affect the heart rhythm, which can be dangerous. Do not take a potassium supplement alongside irbesartan unless your GP has specifically advised it and is checking your blood potassium.
Evidence: Supported by human study data.
Red Does Potassium interact with Lisinopril?
Lisinopril raises blood potassium by reducing how much the kidneys pass out. A potassium supplement adds more potassium on top. Together they can push potassium high enough to affect the heart rhythm, which can be dangerous. Do not take a potassium supplement alongside lisinopril unless your GP has specifically advised it and is checking your blood potassium.
Evidence: Supported by human study data.
Red Does Potassium interact with Losartan?
Losartan raises blood potassium by reducing how much the kidneys pass out. A potassium supplement adds more potassium on top. Together they can push potassium high enough to affect the heart rhythm, which can be dangerous. Do not take a potassium supplement alongside losartan unless your GP has specifically advised it and is checking your blood potassium.
Evidence: Supported by human study data.
Red Does Potassium interact with Perindopril erbumine?
Perindopril raises blood potassium by reducing how much the kidneys pass out. A potassium supplement adds more potassium on top. Together they can push potassium high enough to affect the heart rhythm, which can be dangerous. Do not take a potassium supplement alongside perindopril unless your GP has specifically advised it and is checking your blood potassium.
Evidence: Supported by human study data.
Red Does Potassium interact with Ramipril?
Ramipril raises blood potassium by reducing how much the kidneys pass out. A potassium supplement adds more potassium on top. Together they can push potassium high enough to affect the heart rhythm, which can be dangerous. Do not take a potassium supplement alongside ramipril unless your GP has specifically advised it and is checking your blood potassium.
Evidence: Supported by human study data.
Red Does Potassium interact with Sacubitril/valsartan?
Sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto) contains valsartan, which raises blood potassium by reducing how much the kidneys pass out. A potassium supplement adds more potassium on top. Together they can push potassium high enough to affect the heart rhythm, which can be dangerous. Do not take a potassium supplement alongside sacubitril/valsartan unless your specialist has specifically advised it and is checking your blood potassium.
Evidence: Supported by human study data.
Red Does Potassium interact with Spironolactone?
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which means it makes the body hold on to potassium. Adding a potassium supplement on top can push potassium to a dangerous level and affect the heart rhythm. This is one of the higher-risk combinations. Do not take potassium with spironolactone unless your specialist has advised it and is monitoring your blood potassium closely.
Evidence: Well established across multiple human studies or interaction references.
Red Does Potassium interact with Tacrolimus?
Tacrolimus tends to raise blood potassium by reducing how much the kidneys pass out. A potassium supplement adds more potassium on top, and together they can push potassium high enough to affect the heart rhythm, which can be dangerous. People on tacrolimus are usually under specialist or transplant follow-up with regular blood tests, so do not add a potassium supplement unless that team has specifically advised it and is checking your blood potassium.
Evidence: Well established across multiple human studies or interaction references.
Red Does Potassium interact with Trimethoprim?
Trimethoprim makes the body hold on to potassium by acting on the kidney in much the same way as the potassium-sparing diuretic amiloride. Adding a potassium supplement on top can push potassium to a dangerous level and affect the heart rhythm. This is one of the higher-risk combinations. Do not take potassium with trimethoprim unless your specialist has advised it and is monitoring your blood potassium closely, especially if you are older or have kidney problems.
Evidence: Well established across multiple human studies or interaction references.
Amber Does Potassium interact with Celecoxib?
Anti-inflammatory painkillers like celecoxib can make the kidneys hold on to a little more potassium. On their own the effect is usually small, but added to a potassium supplement, and especially if your kidneys are not working at full strength or you take a blood-pressure medicine that also raises potassium, it can nudge your potassium higher. If you take celecoxib regularly, mention any potassium supplement to your GP or pharmacist.
Evidence: Supported by human study data.
Amber Does Potassium interact with Diclofenac sodium?
Anti-inflammatory painkillers like diclofenac can make the kidneys hold on to a little more potassium. On their own the effect is usually small, but added to a potassium supplement, and especially if your kidneys are not working at full strength or you take a blood-pressure medicine that also raises potassium, it can nudge your potassium higher. If you take diclofenac regularly, mention any potassium supplement to your GP or pharmacist.
Evidence: Supported by human study data.
Amber Does Potassium interact with Etoricoxib?
Anti-inflammatory painkillers like etoricoxib can make the kidneys hold on to a little more potassium. On their own the effect is usually small, but added to a potassium supplement, and especially if your kidneys are not working at full strength or you take a blood-pressure medicine that also raises potassium, it can nudge your potassium higher. If you take etoricoxib regularly, mention any potassium supplement to your GP or pharmacist.
Evidence: Supported by human study data.
Amber Does Potassium interact with Ibuprofen?
Anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen can make the kidneys hold on to a little more potassium. On their own the effect is usually small, but added to a potassium supplement, and especially if your kidneys are not working at full strength or you take a blood-pressure medicine that also raises potassium, it can nudge your potassium higher. If you take ibuprofen regularly, mention any potassium supplement to your GP or pharmacist.
Evidence: Supported by human study data.
Amber Does Potassium interact with Naproxen?
Anti-inflammatory painkillers like naproxen can make the kidneys hold on to a little more potassium. On their own the effect is usually small, but added to a potassium supplement, and especially if your kidneys are not working at full strength or you take a blood-pressure medicine that also raises potassium, it can nudge your potassium higher. If you take naproxen regularly, mention any potassium supplement to your GP or pharmacist.
Evidence: Supported by human study data.
Digoxin-potassium balance (keep in range)
Amber Does Potassium interact with Digoxin?
Potassium needs careful balance on digoxin, so do not start a potassium supplement on your own while taking it. Keeping your potassium in the normal range actually matters: when potassium runs low, digoxin becomes more toxic and can affect the heart rhythm, so a supplement is not something to simply avoid; but too much potassium can reduce how well digoxin works and, if it climbs too high, add to the risk of a slow or irregular heartbeat. Let your doctor decide whether you need one and have your potassium checked, especially if your kidneys are not working at full capacity or you take other medicines that raise potassium.
Evidence: Supported by human study data.
Reviewer-flagged: awaiting clinical-reviewer sign-off.
Renal potassium wasting (drug-induced)
Amber Does Potassium interact with Bendroflumethiazide?
Bendroflumethiazide makes your kidneys pass out more potassium, so it tends to lower your blood potassium, and a potassium supplement works against that rather than adding to it. Even so, this is not one to start on your own: potassium is easy to overshoot, and many people on this water tablet also take a blood pressure medicine such as ramipril or losartan that pushes potassium the other way. Ask your GP for a potassium blood test and let them decide whether you need any, particularly if your kidney function is reduced.
Evidence: Well established across multiple human studies or interaction references.
Reviewer-flagged: awaiting clinical-reviewer sign-off.
Amber Does Potassium interact with Bumetanide?
Bumetanide makes your kidneys pass more potassium into your urine, so people taking it long term can run low on potassium, and the right response is a potassium blood test and a word with your GP rather than starting a potassium supplement on your own. Potassium has a narrow safe range, and some people on bumetanide are prescribed potassium while for others it is not appropriate, depending on kidney function and what else they take. Tell your GP or pharmacist about any potassium supplement or potassium-based salt substitute you use, especially if you also take an ACE inhibitor, an ARB, spironolactone or amiloride, and ask for a potassium blood test rather than adjusting anything yourself.
Evidence: Supported by human study data.
Reviewer-flagged: awaiting clinical-reviewer sign-off.
Amber Does Potassium interact with Furosemide?
Furosemide makes your kidneys pass more potassium into your urine, so people taking it long term can run low on potassium, and the right response is a potassium blood test and a word with your GP rather than starting a potassium supplement on your own. Potassium has a narrow safe range, and some people on furosemide are prescribed potassium while for others it is not appropriate, depending on kidney function and what else they take. Tell your GP or pharmacist about any potassium supplement or potassium-based salt substitute you use, especially if you also take an ACE inhibitor, an ARB, spironolactone or amiloride, and ask for a potassium blood test rather than adjusting anything yourself.
Evidence: Supported by human study data.
Reviewer-flagged: awaiting clinical-reviewer sign-off.
Amber Does Potassium interact with Indapamide?
Indapamide makes your kidneys pass out more potassium, so it tends to lower your blood potassium, and a potassium supplement works against that rather than adding to it. Indapamide is described as thiazide-like rather than a true thiazide, but it acts on the same part of the kidney and the potassium effect is much the same, so the same care applies. Do not start potassium on your own: ask your GP for a potassium blood test, and take extra care if you also take a blood pressure medicine such as ramipril or losartan, or if your kidney function is reduced.
Evidence: Well established across multiple human studies or interaction references.
Reviewer-flagged: awaiting clinical-reviewer sign-off.
Potassium shifted into cells (drug-induced)
Green Does Potassium interact with Salbutamol?
Salbutamol can lower the potassium reading in your blood for a short time, but it does this by moving potassium into your cells rather than making you lose any in your urine, so it does not run your body's potassium down the way a water tablet does. We assessed this pair and found no reason to avoid taking potassium alongside a salbutamol inhaler, and no reason to start one because of the inhaler either. The dip mainly becomes worth attention at high or repeated nebuliser doses, particularly if you also take a water tablet, and that is a conversation about your medicines with your GP rather than a supplement decision.
Evidence: Supported by human study data.
Reviewer-flagged: awaiting clinical-reviewer sign-off.
What this list does not say. Pairs not flagged here are not implicitly safe. They are either not yet in our database, or fall outside our inclusion scope. Use the checker below to surface any medication, and submit a missing item if you take something we have not catalogued.
No affiliates. No commission. We earn nothing on what you buy.
How we grade severity, choose what's in scope, and what we exclude.
Every call on this page is reasoned. We publish the full rubric for severity tiers, the medication inclusion logic, the evidence grades we accept, and what we deliberately leave out. About three thousand words. Worth reading once if you use this tool more than occasionally.
Read the full methodologyA full supplement review, built around you, not a generic stack.
The free checker answers one interaction question at a time. A Distil report reviews the bigger picture: your goals, diet, medications, current supplements and any blood results you provide, then shows what appears worth keeping, changing, adding or leaving out.
- what your diet already covers, so you are not adding a capsule for something food is already handling
- which evidence-graded compounds are worth considering for your goals, and which were considered but left out
- what to keep, change or stop from what you already take, plus the order to introduce anything new
- how your medications and complete supplement stack fit together, with daily timing and a clear point for reassessment
The interaction check is one section of the full report. You also get the reasoning behind each recommendation and the evidence references used.
£49 founder pricing while Distil is new, or returning within 6 months · £79 standard.
Something missing?
If a supplement or medication you take isn't in our autocomplete, tell us. We go through what people flag every week and add what's missing.