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Hyperkalemia is an elevated level of potassium (K +) in the blood. [1] Normal potassium levels are between 3.5 and 5.0 mmol/L (3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L) with levels above 5.5 mmol/L defined as hyperkalemia. [3] [4] Typically hyperkalemia does not cause symptoms. [1] Occasionally when severe it can cause palpitations, muscle pain, muscle weakness, or ...
Potassium binders are medications that bind potassium ions in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby preventing its intestinal absorption. This category formerly consisted solely of polystyrene sulfonate, a polyanionic resin attached to a cation, administered either orally or by retention enema to patients who are at risk of developing hyperkalaemia (abnormal high serum potassium levels).
Polystyrene sulfonate is usually supplied in either the sodium or calcium form. It is used as a potassium binder in acute and chronic kidney disease for people with hyperkalemia (an abnormally high blood serum potassium level). [3]
Here are links to possibly useful sources of information about Hyperkalemia. PubMed provides review articles from the past five years (limit to free review articles ) The TRIP database provides clinical publications about evidence-based medicine .
However, if hyperkalemia causes any ECG change it is considered a medical emergency [13] due to a risk of potentially fatal abnormal heart rhythms and is treated urgently. [13] Potassium levels greater than 6.5 to 7.0 mmol/L in the absence of ECG changes are managed aggressively. [13] Several approaches are used to treat hyperkalemia. [13]
Patiromer works by binding free potassium ions in the gastrointestinal tract and releasing calcium ions for exchange, thus lowering the amount of potassium available for absorption into the bloodstream and increasing the amount that is excreted via the feces. The net effect is a reduction of potassium levels in the blood serum. [4] [11]
On their own this group of drugs may raise potassium levels beyond the normal range, termed hyperkalemia, which risks potentially fatal arrhythmias. Triamterene, specifically, is a potential nephrotoxin and up to half of the patients on it can have crystalluria or urinary casts.
Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis causes episodes of extreme muscle weakness, with attacks often beginning in childhood. [1] Depending on the type and severity of the HyperKPP, it can increase or stabilize until the fourth or fifth decade where attacks may cease, decline, or, depending on the type, continue on into old age.