Follow Your Swallow

Medication module

Can Klor-Con (potassium chloride extended-release) be crushed?

Also searched as Klor-Con, Klor-Con M, K-Tab · Extended-release tablet

NO. Do not crush

Exact formulation checkedExtended-release tabletA different strength, suffix, coating, capsule, or manufacturer may have different instructions.
Why

Klor-Con, Klor-Con M, and K-Tab are on the ISMP “Do Not Crush” list as extended-release tablets; concentrated potassium released all at once can irritate the GI tract. FDA labeling for Klor-Con M instead allows breaking the tablet in half or dissolving the whole tablet in water for patients who have trouble swallowing.

What to ask the pharmacist instead

Ask the pharmacist about the label-approved dissolve-in-water method for Klor-Con M, or a potassium liquid or powder formulation.

SourceISMP “Do Not Crush” list; FDA labeling: half-tablet or dissolve-in-water options
Source checked2026-06-10
Clinical reviewSLP review in progress

Confirm with your pharmacist before changing how any medication is taken. This page never provides dosing guidance.

Confirm the pill before changing it
  1. Match the generic or brand name and strength on the prescription label.
  2. Match the exact formulation, especially ER, XR, XL, SR, CR, DR, or EC.
  3. Use the manufacturer or NDC and imprint as supporting identifiers, then confirm with the pharmacist.

Do not use color or shape alone. FDA guidance notes that approved generic pills can look different while containing the same medicine.

Keep going
Check another medicationSearch the free medication answers by generic or brand name.ISMP + FDA→Common swallowing questionsPlain-language answers about foods, drinks, and IDDSI levels.Answers→Understand the prescribed IDDSI levelSee what every level means, what typically fits, and how to test it.Levels 0–7→