What Causes Hypokalemia?

Diuretics

Diuretics, which help decrease the amount of water in an individual's body, have the potential to decrease their blood's potassium levels. Some diuretics are prescribed in pill form, while others are available over-the-counter in other forms. Caffeine, which many individuals ingest in coffee and soda, is a diuretic. Too many caffeinated beverages can lead individuals to become dehydrated if they don't have them with water. When used medically, diuretics typically treat high blood pressure, since by eliminating water and sodium through urine, an individual's overall blood pressure lowers. Not all diuretics affect potassium, but some do cause patients to eliminate potassium, which can cause them to develop hypokalemia, especially if individuals don't have enough potassium in their diet. There are some diuretics specifically developed to spare potassium so patients don't develop low potassium. Potassium-sparing diuretics include triamterene eplerenone and spironolactone. Some high blood pressure medications can also cause an individual's potassium to increase. Doctors may combine one of these with a diuretic if there's an issue with their patient's potassium. ACE inhibitors, renin inhibitors, and angiotensin II receptor blockers can all lead to a potassium increase.

Uncover details on more causes of hypokalemia now.