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Potassium chloride supplements by mouth have the advantage of containing precise quantities of potassium, but the disadvantages of a taste which may be unpleasant, and the potential for side-effects including nausea and abdominal discomfort. Potassium bicarbonate is preferred when correcting hypokalemia associated with metabolic acidosis. [30]
Potassium is the most abundant intracellular cation and about 98% of the body's potassium is found inside cells, with the remainder in the extracellular fluid including the blood. Membrane potential is maintained principally by the concentration gradient and membrane permeability to potassium with some contribution from the Na+/K+ pump .
Low potassium is caused by increased excretion of potassium, decreased consumption of potassium rich foods, movement of potassium into the cells, or certain endocrine diseases. [3] Excretion is the most common cause of hypokalemia and can be caused by diuretic use, metabolic acidosis , diabetic ketoacidosis , hyperaldosteronism , and renal ...
Gastrointestinal symptoms are the most common side effects of potassium supplements, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea. Taking potassium with meals or taking a microencapsulated form of potassium may reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Hyperkalemia is the most serious adverse reaction to potassium. Hyperkalemia ...
High amounts of the electrolyte potassium (K+) in the blood (hyperkalemia) is characteristic of digoxin toxicity. [6] Digoxin toxicity increases in individuals who have kidney impairment. This is most often seen in elderly or those with chronic kidney disease or end-stage kidney disease .
Low blood potassium may occur due to vomiting, diarrhea, or certain medications. [3] The concentrated version should be diluted before use. [2] It is given by slow injection into a vein or by mouth. [4] Side effects may include heart problems if given too quickly by injection into a vein. [4]
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).
The thiazide diuretics also deplete circulating potassium unless combined with a potassium-sparing diuretic or supplemental potassium. Some authors have challenged thiazides as first line treatment. [55] [56] [57] However, as the Merck Manual of Geriatrics notes, "thiazide-type diuretics are especially safe and effective in the elderly." [58]