What should be avoided when taking potassium supplements?

Crushing potassium supplements is often advised against because many potassium formulations are enteric-coated to prevent gastrointestinal irritation and to ensure proper absorption. By crushing them, you can compromise the protective coating that allows the medication to be released properly in the digestive system. This can lead to increased gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea or irritation, and could potentially result in more significant complications if the potassium is released too quickly into the bloodstream.

Additionally, combining potassium supplements with other medications can increase the risk of drug interactions, and taking them with milk could affect absorption; however, the critical reason for avoiding the crushing of tablets lies in the potential for harming the integrity of the medication and the related side effects. Taking potassium on an empty stomach can also lead to irritation, but the foremost concern revolves around the integrity of the supplement itself when altered from its intended form.