Treating Hypokalemia With Potassium Supplements

Hypokalemia is when the body is low in potassium, which is a mineral (electrolyte) in the body. Potassium is needed by the body to keep muscles functioning properly, especially the heart muscle. The heart needs potassium to beat properly and control blood pressure. The kidneys regulate the potassium in the body and when the levels are low, people may experience symptoms such as weakness in the arms or legs along with numbness and tingling. Other symptoms include abdominal cramping with nausea and vomiting and heart palpitations due to the electrolyte imbalance. Some people also experience fainting or near-syncope due to low blood pressure.

Certain diuretics that expel a large amount of urine from the body, severe diarrhea and/or vomiting, complications of diabetes and other medical conditions can cause low potassium levels. Clinically, blood potassium levels should be between 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L, which stands for milliequivalents per liter of blood; the way potassium is measured. Any level below 3.5 mEq/L is considered low and hypokalemia.

Hypokalemia is treated with supplements

To treat this disorder, potassium supplements are given. Potassium replacement therapy should always be monitored and controlled by a physician. The supplements come in different types and forms. It can be administered in pill form, liquid and intravenously. Potassium chloride is often prescribed most since it contains the most potassium per unit weight. Another type of potassium is potassium gluconate, however this form is weaker and a person would need to take three times the amount to equal that of potassium chloride. In some cases where chloride is undesirable, then the gluconate form is prescribed.

Cautions of potassium supplements

Potassium pills have caused ulcers in the esophagus and small bowel. In some patients, doctors will administer the liquid form instead. It is important to follow pharmacy directions closely for the type of supplement you are prescribed. Effervescent tablets, powders and liquids should be dissolved or diluted in at least 3-8 ounces of cold water or juice and taken slowly by mouth. Tablets should never be chewed or crushed; they must be swallowed whole and with a meal or full glass of water. Many pills are time-released and chewing or crushing the pills will release a large amount of the medication at once, which can be dangerous.

People taking potassium supplements must have their blood taken periodically and monitored by a physician because some may develop hyperkalemia, which is when the potassium in the body becomes too high. This can be a fatal condition.

Common side effects of taking the supplements include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas and abdominal discomfort. Rare side effects cause rashes, weakness, listlessness, mental confusion, hypotension and heart rhythm changes.

Drug and food interactions

Supplements should not be taken with any potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone, triamterene or amiloride. These can produce hyperkalemia. Another cause of a high potassium level is taking supplements with an ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor used for hypertension.

Using salt substitutes can increase a person's potassium level because these substitutes contain high amounts of potassium themselves.

The bottom line

If you are not feeling well or show signs of hypokalemia, contact your physician or visit the emergency room for diagnostic testing. Hypokalemia is easy to treat with potassium supplements along with a healthy diet.

References:
eMedicineHealth
The Pill Book 13^th Edition by Harold M. Silverman, Pharm.D. [Bantam Books, 2008]