Hyperkalemia

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

• Care notes
• Aftercare
• Discharge
• Inpatient
• Español

Hyperkalemia is a high level of potassium in your blood. Potassium helps control how your muscles, heart, and digestive system work.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent

is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

Medicines:

• Sodium polystyrene sulfonate decreases the amount of potassium in your blood.
• Diuretics , or water pills, help your body get rid of extra potassium when you urinate.
• Calcium may help prevent the symptoms of hyperkalemia, such as cardiac arrhythmias.
• Insulin will help lower your potassium levels.

Tests:

• Blood tests will be done every 2 to 4 hours to monitor your potassium level.
• Telemetry is continuous monitoring of your heart rhythm. Sticky pads placed on your skin connect to an EKG machine that records your heart rhythm.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment:

Dialysis may be needed if other treatments do not work. Dialysis uses a machine to remove waste products and toxins from your blood.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• calcium gluconate
• Lokelma
• Veltassa
• Kalexate
• Kionex

View more treatment options

Diet:

A dietitian may meet with you to plan the best way to limit how much potassium you eat. Foods that are high in potassium include bananas, tomatoes, oranges, turkey, and milk. Orange juice, citrus juices, and tomato juice are also high in potassium. Do not use salt substitutes.

RISKS:

Hyperkalemia may cause changes in muscle control and heart damage. This can be life-threatening. Without treatment, your symptoms will worsen.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer