Start by getting a blood test from your doctor to confirm whether or not you have high potassium. It is a diagnosis that is hard to tell by symptoms alone, so a blood test is very important prior to start treatment of any sort. [3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Other less common but equally important causes of high potassium are certain “high glucose states” (called “diabetic ketoacidosis”) that can occur in the body in severe diabetics, as well as severe injuries to your body, often from an accident of some sort. [4] X Research source
If your potassium is only mildly elevated, however, your doctors may try a more conservative approach and ask you to come back for a repeat test. The pattern on the electrocardiogram will give your doctor a lot of valuable information on the current state of your heart. [6] X Research source This is important not only to help with the diagnosis of high potassium but also to determine the urgency of treatment, as the state of your heart (and the potential of your heart being in danger from too much potassium) will dictate the strategy your doctors use to lower your potassium.
If you have very high potassium, your doctor will stop altogether any medications that contribute to elevated potassium that he or she can in the short term, to help speed your recovery. [8] X Research source However, discontinuing medication is not enough on its own to treat severe cases of high potassium, which will need more aggressive methods of treatment.
Your doctor will likely suggest intravenous calcium, usually 500-3000 milligrams (10-20 mL) one at a time, 0. 2 to 2 mL per minute. Your doctor may suggest that you take resin, which will help your body eliminate potassium through the bowels. The typical dose is 50 grams, which can be taken orally or administered in 30 mL of Sorbitol. If your doctor believes it is necessary, you may need to take insulin and/or glucose to move potassium into your cells, where it should be. The usual dose of insulin is 10 units by IV; the usual dose of glucose is 50% (D50W) and 50 mL (25 grams). These are typically administered as 1 ampule by IV over 5 minutes, onset in 15 – 30 minutes for 2 to 6 hours.
Note that this treatment is not enough for urgent cases, but may be very helpful for more mild cases of elevated potassium.
High potassium is a potentially life-threatening condition, especially for the effect it can have on your heart. [12] X Research source Therefore, appropriate monitoring with your doctor post-treatment is key. There are times when this extra monitoring can make the difference between life and death, as your doctors can be there to catch any potential “relapse” of elevated potassium.
