Drug-induced dyskalemia

Article written by Pharmacist Hoang Nguyen Kim Thoa - Clinical Pharmacist, Faculty of Pharmacy - Vinmec Times City International Hospital

The total amount of potassium stored in the body is about 3000 mEq (50-70 mEq/kg body weight), concentrated mainly in the cells (140 mEq/L). In blood and extracellular fluid, normal potassium levels are 3.5–5 mEq/L. That is the value of potassium measured in a blood test. Hypokalemia is considered to be decreased when the serum potassium level is <3.5 mEg/L (mmol/l). Blood potassium is considered elevated when the serum potassium level is >5 mEq/L (mmol/l). Regulates potassium levels in the body through two processes: intracellular potassium exchange - extracellular fluid and renal excretion of potassium.

Drug-induced hypokalemia, possibly due to increased urinary potassium excretion, is most common in patients receiving diuretics (especially furosemide) without potassium supplementation. In addition, some drugs can cause hypokalemia through increased excretion of potassium from the gastrointestinal tract (laxatives) or increased transport of potassium from the extracellular fluid into cells. Hypokalemia may appear earlier and be more severe in patients with high fever, profuse vomiting, diarrhea, or patients on a low-potassium diet.
Drug-induced hyperkalemia is quite rare in patients with normal renal function, the incidence is usually <10%. Drug-induced hyperkalemia is more common in patients with advanced age, impaired renal function, or concomitant use of multiple drugs that cause hyperkalemia. Drugs that cause hyperkalemia may be due to increased potassium intake, increased absorption of potassium, increased potassium transfer from cells to extracellular fluid, or decreased renal excretion of potassium.

Not all patients with dyskalemia have clinical manifestations.
Manifestations of hypokalemia may include myalgia, cramps, muscle weakness, persistent constipation, abdominal distension (neuromuscular sign), palpitations, palpitations, syncope (cardiovascular sign). Manifestations of hyperkalemia may include extremity or perioral paresthesias, numbness or tingling of the fingertips (neurological signs), palpitations, palpitations, and syncope (cardiovascular signs).

Immediately go to a medical facility if there are symptoms of hyperkalemia or hypokalemia
Medical staff will evaluate the relationship between the drug and the state of hyperkalemia - hypokalemia to decide to stop the drug clinically and treat according to the level Severe In order to prevent drug-induced dyskalemia, do not arbitrarily use prescription drugs or arbitrarily prolong prescriptions without re-examination. Periodic health checkup (6 months/time in healthy people and 1-3 months/time in people with stable chronic diseases) and follow-up examination according to the doctor's appointment. Monitor for signs of hyperkalemia and hypokalemia if you are taking medications that can cause hyperkalemia or hypokalemia as advised by your doctor and pharmacist.

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