Hypokalemia
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
Hypokalemia is a low level of potassium in your blood. Potassium helps control how your muscles, heart, and digestive system work. Hypokalemia occurs when your body loses too much potassium or does not absorb enough from food.
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.
Medicine:
You will receive potassium to bring your levels back to normal. This may be given as a pill or IV.
Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions
Aldactone
Aldactone (spironolactone) is used to diagnose or treat a condition in which you have too much ...
Klor-Con
Klor-con (potassium chloride) is used to prevent or to treat low blood levels of potassium ...
Benlysta
Benlysta infusion is used to treat active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and active lupus ...
K-Dur
K-dur (potassium chloride) is used to prevent or to treat low blood levels of potassium ...
Klor-Con Sprinkle
Klor-Con Sprinkle is used for hypokalemia, prevention of hypokalemia
Klor-Con/EF
Klor-Con/EF is used for hypokalemia, prevention of hypokalemia
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Tests:
- Blood tests will be done to monitor your potassium levels. They will also show how well your treatment is working.
- Urine tests may be done to check your kidney function and help monitor your condition.
- Telemetry is continuous monitoring of your heart rhythm. Sticky pads placed on your skin connect to an EKG machine that records your heart rhythm.
Nutrition:
You may need to eat more foods that are high in potassium, such as bananas, potatoes, and avocados. A dietitian may meet with you to help you create meal plans.
RISKS:
You can develop hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium) if you receive too much potassium too quickly. This can lead to heart damage.
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.