How to Treat High Potassium Levels

A higher than normal level of potassium in the blood is called hyperkalemia, and it can lead to serious complications that affect nerves and muscles, especially the heart. The kidneys remove excess potassium, and when they are unable to perform properly, potassium levels rise. Treatments depend on the severity of the condition and the cause, which may be temporary or chronic.

Things You'll Need

• Diuretics
• Prescription medications
• Intravenous treatments
• Dialysis

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Instructions

Treatment Based on Severity

• 1

  Follow guidelines for regular physical examinations, including blood tests. If tests show higher than normal levels of potassium, seek treatment immediately to eliminate the excess. Ask your physician about the severity of your situation and the underlying cause of the high potassium level.

• 2

  Manage your nutrition in mild cases to control potassium intake in the diet. Take diuretics, which help some patients to eliminate excess potassium. With your doctor's approval, stop taking medications that are known to increase blood potassium levels.

• 3

  Seek intensive treatment in the hospital for a severe case of high blood potassium. Specific treatments include the use of a resin that links to the potassium and helps eliminate it from the intestinal tract; intravenous treatments of insulin, glucose or calcium; or medications designed to move potassium back to the body's cells such as albuterol and epinephrine. Your doctor will determine the appropriate treatment for you.

• 4

  Undergo dialysis to remove high levels of potassium when the kidneys are unable to perform the function of eliminating potassium despite medication or other treatments.

• 5

  Schedule regular check-ups to monitor your heart in a severe case of high potassium, since the heart may undergo dangerous changes in rhythm or cardiac arrest.