Hyperkalemia medical therapy

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S. [2]

Overview

When arrhythmias occur, or when potassium levels exceed 6.5 mmol/l, emergency lowering of potassium levels is mandated. Several agents are used to lower potassium levels. Choice depends on the degree and cause of the hyperkalemia, and other aspects of the patient's condition.

Medical Therapy

• Calcium supplementation (calcium gluconate 10% (10ml), preferably through a central venous catheter as the calcium may cause phlebitis) does not lower potassium but decreases myocardial excitability, protecting against life threatening arrhythmias.
• Insulin (e.g. intravenous injection of 10-15u of (short acting) insulin (e.g. Actrapid) {along with 50ml of 50% dextrose to prevent hypoglycemia}) will lead to a shift of potassium ions into cells, secondary to increased activity of the sodium-potassium ATPase.
• Bicarbonate therapy (e.g. 1 ampule (45mEq) infused over 5 minutes) is effective in cases of metabolic acidosis. The bicarbonate ion will stimulate an exchange of cellular H⁺ for Na⁺, thus leading to stimulation of the sodium-potassium ATPase.
• Salbutamol (albuterol, Ventolin^®) is a β₂-selective catacholamine that is administered by nebuliser (e.g. 10-20 mg). This drug promotes movement of K into cells, lowering the blood levels.
• Polystyrene sulfonate (Calcium Resonium, Kayexalate) is a binding resin that binds K within the intestine and removes it from the body by defecation. Calcium Resonium (15g three times a day in water) can be given by mouth. Kayexelate can be given by mouth or as an enema. In both cases, the resin absorbs K within the intestine and carries it out of the body by defecation. This medication may cause diarrhea.
• Refractory or severe cases may need dialysis to remove the potassium from the circulation.
• Preventing recurrence of hyperkalemia typically involves reduction of dietary potassium, removal of an offending medication, and/or the addition of a diuretic (such as furosemide (Lasix^®) or hydrochlorothiazide).

Contraindicated medications

Hyperkalemia is considered a relative contraindication to the use of the following medications:

• Triamterene
• [[Amiloride

]]