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Potassium is a mineral that the human body needs to function properly. Staff members take blood samples to check the amount of potassium in the body. If the level is too high or too low, the staff may make changes to medicines or fluids that the patient is receiving.
Hypokalemia (not enough potassium in the blood)
Hypokalemia can occur:
Medicines that may cause a decrease in the blood potassium level are diuretics (water pills), insulin, and amphotericin B.
The staff can give you potassium to increase the amount of this mineral in the blood. It is available in these forms:
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, hives, itching, chills, fever, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, swelling of the face or neck.
Not all patients who take potassium will experience these side effects. Common side effects are bolded, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
Find more information on side effects.
Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your doctor or pharmacist.
Special instructions for hypokalemia