[Pharma-clinics. How I treat ... hypo- or hyperkalemia]

Abstract

The treatment of dyskalemia must be primarily etiological and later symptomatic. When moderate but significant hypokaliemia exists (K < 3 mmol/l or 3.5 mmol/l with cardiac disease), oral K supplements must be/given. The intravenous route must be reserved for emergency or impossible oral administration. Acute and severe hyperkalemia (K > 7 mmol/l) must be first corrected by different intravenous measures with secondary oral intervention. In chronic and/or moderate hyperkaliemia (K > 5.5 mmol/l), the oral route for treatment is preferred. In any case, the research of the cause (mainly drug induced) is fundamental.