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Hypokalemia is a low level of potassium (K +) in the blood serum. [1] Mild low potassium does not typically cause symptoms. [ 3 ] Symptoms may include feeling tired , leg cramps , weakness , and constipation . [ 1 ]
Potassium chloride, also known as potassium salt, is used as a medication to treat and prevent low blood potassium. [2] Low blood potassium may occur due to vomiting, diarrhea, or certain medications. [3] The concentrated version should be diluted before use. [2] It is given by slow injection into a vein or by mouth. [4]
Hypokalemia (low blood potassium concentration) often follows treatment. This increases the risk of dangerous irregularities in the heart rate . Therefore, continuous observation of the heart rate is recommended, [ 6 ] [ 39 ] as well as repeated measurement of the potassium levels and addition of potassium to the intravenous fluids once levels ...
Blood biochemistry should be monitored regularly until it is stable. Although clinical trials are lacking in patients other than those admitted to intensive care, it is commonly recommended that energy intake should remain lower than that normally required for the first 3–5 days of treatment of refeeding syndrome for all patients. [1]: 1.4.8
[3] [27] The final step in treatment is to calculate the patients free water deficit, and to replace it at a steady rate using a combination of oral or IV fluids. [3] [27] The rate of replacement of fluids varies depending on how long the patient has been hypernatremic. Lowering the sodium level too quickly can cause cerebral edema.
Treatment of hypokalemic periodic paralysis focuses on preventing further attacks and relieving acute symptoms. Avoiding carbohydrate-rich meals, strenuous exercise and other identified triggers, and taking acetazolamide or another carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, may help prevent attacks of weakness.
Initial treatment in those with ECG changes is salts, such as calcium gluconate or calcium chloride. [1] [3] Other medications used to rapidly reduce blood potassium levels include insulin with dextrose, salbutamol, and sodium bicarbonate. [1] [5] Medications that might worsen the condition should be stopped and a low potassium diet should be ...
They can be used in combination with other anti-hypertensives or drugs that cause hypokalemia to help maintain a normal range for potassium. For example, they are often used as an adjunct to loop diuretics (usually furosemide) to treat fluid retention in congestive heart failure and ascites in cirrhosis. [11]