Hypokalemia
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
What is hypokalemia?
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.
What causes hypokalemia?
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Medicines, such as diuretics, blood pressure medicines, or antibiotics
- Overuse of laxatives
- Anorexia or bulimia
- A medical condition such as Cushing syndrome or kidney disease
- Not eating enough foods that contain potassium
What are the signs and symptoms of hypokalemia?
- Fatigue (tired mentally and physically)
- Constipation
- Urinating often or in large amounts
- Muscle cramps or skin tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
How is hypokalemia diagnosed?
- An EKG test records your heart rhythm and how fast your heart beats. It is used to check for an irregular heartbeat.
- Blood tests are done to check your potassium level.
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 ...
Ozempic
Learn about Ozempic (semaglutide) for type 2 diabetes treatment, weight management, cardiovascular ...
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
How is hypokalemia treated?
You will receive potassium to bring your levels back to normal. This may be given as a pill or IV. The amount of potassium you will be given depends on your potassium level.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Which foods are high in potassium?
Examples include bananas, potatoes, and avocados. Pinto beans, turkey, salmon, lean beef, yogurt, and milk are also high in potassium. Your healthcare provider or dietitian can help you create a meal plan to meet your daily potassium needs.
When should I seek immediate care?
- You cannot move your arm or leg.
- You have a fast or irregular heartbeat.
- You are too tired or weak to stand up.
When should I call my doctor?
- You are vomiting or have diarrhea.
- You have numbness or tingling in your arms or legs.
- Your symptoms do not go away, or they get worse.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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Further information
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