Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Low Potassium Levels?
Posted on
Wed, 9 Jul 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 9 Jul 2014
Answered on
Wed, 30 Jul 2014
Last reviewed on
Question : I have Chronic congestive heart failure and I am on Zaroxlyn 2.5 and demeadex to the amount water weight I gain along with this I am on Kdur 180 MEq a day and stil continue with low potassium issues what else am I able to do but maintain 2 gm Na diet and eat Potassium foods. I have been diagnosed with polycystic ovaries and have been started on Glucophage 500 mg daily.
Brief Answer:
drug dosage, potassium sparing diuretic, monitorin
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
It is important to manage appropriately serum Potassium levels. Kdur 180MEq is an appropriate drug to boost potassium levels. In case the blood levels are not rising, it might be necessary under keen supervision to increase the dosage of the drug.
Electrolyte disturbances like low Potassium levels are preferably managed in a specialized centre or intensive care unit, where in case of heart rhythm problems (arythmias), it could be easy to intervene.
It s true that you eat Potassium foods and you are taking the drug. It is more reason to see a cardiologist for a proper investigation of why you are not responding to the current dosage.
Diuretics (drugs that cause excessive urination) at times cause loss of Potassium. this can explain low levels of Potassium. Potassium Sparing Diuretics, well indicated in heart failure like Aldactone (R) could be useful. A review by your doctor to check for any contraindication in your case would be necessary.
Review the drug dosage, changing to an appropriate Potassium sparing diuretic and monitoring with changes in drug regimens are my key recommendations.
Kind regards,
Dr Bain
drug dosage, potassium sparing diuretic, monitorin
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
It is important to manage appropriately serum Potassium levels. Kdur 180MEq is an appropriate drug to boost potassium levels. In case the blood levels are not rising, it might be necessary under keen supervision to increase the dosage of the drug.
Electrolyte disturbances like low Potassium levels are preferably managed in a specialized centre or intensive care unit, where in case of heart rhythm problems (arythmias), it could be easy to intervene.
It s true that you eat Potassium foods and you are taking the drug. It is more reason to see a cardiologist for a proper investigation of why you are not responding to the current dosage.
Diuretics (drugs that cause excessive urination) at times cause loss of Potassium. this can explain low levels of Potassium. Potassium Sparing Diuretics, well indicated in heart failure like Aldactone (R) could be useful. A review by your doctor to check for any contraindication in your case would be necessary.
Review the drug dosage, changing to an appropriate Potassium sparing diuretic and monitoring with changes in drug regimens are my key recommendations.
Kind regards,
Dr Bain
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
