Hyperkalemia: Pharmacotherapies and Clinical Considerations

Authors

Evan S. Sinnathamby, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
Kelly T. Banh, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
William T. Barham, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
Tyler D. Hernandez, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
Audrey J. De Witt, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
Danielle M. Wenger, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, AZ
Vincent G. Klapper, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
David McGregor, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
Antonella Paladini, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, ITA
Shahab Ahmadzadeh, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
Sahar Shekoohi, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
Alan D. Kaye, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
Giustino Varrassi, Paolo Procacci Foundation, Rome, ITA

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-26-2024

Publication Title

Cureus

Abstract

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.

First Page

e52994

PubMed ID

38406030

Volume

16

Issue

1

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

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.; and Varrassi, Giustino, "Hyperkalemia: Pharmacotherapies and Clinical Considerations" (2024). School of Medicine Faculty Publications. 2334.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/som_facpubs/2334
10.7759/cureus.52994