Hyperkalemia: Pharmacotherapies and Clinical Considerations

Hyperkalemia has been defined as a condition where a serum potassium level is >5.5 mmol/l. It is associated with fatal dysrhythmias and muscular dysfunction. Certain medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes mellitus, and others, can lead to hyperkalemia. Many of the sign...

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Published inCurēus (Palo Alto, CA) Vol. 16; no. 1; p. e52994
Main Authors Sinnathamby, Evan S, Banh, Kelly T, Barham, William T, Hernandez, Tyler D, De Witt, Audrey J, Wenger, Danielle M, Klapper, Vincent G, McGregor, David, Paladini, Antonella, Ahmadzadeh, Shahab, Shekoohi, Sahar, Kaye, Alan D, Varrassi, Giustino
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States Cureus Inc 26.01.2024
Cureus
Subjects
Constipation
Diuretics
Drug dosages
Electrocardiography
Heart failure
Hemodialysis
Hyperkalemia
Internal Medicine
Kidney diseases
Mortality
Potassium
Sodium
Zirconium
medication
potassium
resins
patiromer
hyperkalemia
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Summary:Hyperkalemia has been defined as a condition where a serum potassium level is >5.5 mmol/l. It is associated with fatal dysrhythmias and muscular dysfunction. Certain medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes mellitus, and others, can lead to hyperkalemia. Many of the signs of hyperkalemia are nonspecific. A history and physical examination can be beneficial in the diagnosis of the condition. In this regard, certain characteristic electrocardiogram findings are associated with hyperkalemia along with laboratory potassium levels. In acute and potentially lethal conditions, hyperkalemia treatments include glucose and insulin, bicarbonate, calcium gluconate, beta-2 agonists, hyperventilation, and dialysis. There are several drugs, both old and new, that can additionally aid in the reduction of serum potassium levels. The present investigation evaluated some of these different drugs, including sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS), sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC), and patiromer. These drugs each have increased selectivity for potassium and work primarily in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Each of these medications has unique benefits and contraindications. Clinicians must be aware of these medications when managing patients with hyperkalemia.
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ISSN:2168-8184
2168-8184
DOI:10.7759/cureus.52994