Pediatric Hypokalemia Medication

  • Author: Michael J Verive, MD; Chief Editor: Timothy E Corden, MD   more...
 
Updated: Nov 14, 2011
 

Medication Summary

Medical therapy is aimed at potassium supplementation by the enteral (ie, oral or through feeding tubes) or parenteral route. Transient, asymptomatic, or mild hypokalemia may resolve spontaneously, or it may be treated using enteral potassium supplements. Symptomatic or severe hypokalemia should be corrected with intravenous potassium preparations.

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Potassium supplements

Class Summary

These agents are used to restore body potassium storage. Electrolytes are used to correct disturbances in fluid and electrolyte homoeostasis or acid-base balance and to reestablish osmotic equilibrium of specific ions.

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Potassium chloride (also citrate, acetate, bicarbonate, gluconate)

 

Potassium chloride is the preferred salt for patients with preexisting alkalosis. First choice for IV therapy. Essential for transmission of nerve impulses; contraction of cardiac muscle; and maintenance of intracellular tonicity, skeletal and smooth muscles, and normal renal function. Gradual potassium depletion occurs via renal excretion, through GI loss, or because of low intake. Depletion may result from diuretic therapy, primary or secondary hyperaldosteronism, diabetic ketoacidosis, severe diarrhea, vomiting, or inadequate replacement during prolonged parenteral nutrition.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Michael J Verive, MD  Medical Director, Pediatric Intensive Care, Department of Pediatrics, St Mary's Hospital for Women and Children

Michael J Verive, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Chest Physicians, Pediatric Sedation, and Society of Critical Care Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

G Patricia Cantwell, MD  FCCM, Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Chief, Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, University of Miami, Leonard M Miller School of Medicine; Medical Director, Palliative Care Team, Director, Pediatric Critical Care Transport, Holtz Children's Hospital, Jackson Memorial Medical Center; Medical Manager, FEMA, Urban Search and Rescue, South Florida, Task Force 2; Pediatric Medical Director, Tilli Kids – Pediatric Initiative, Division of Hospice Care Southeast Florida, Inc

G Patricia Cantwell, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Heart Association, American Trauma Society, National Association of EMS Physicians, Society of Critical Care Medicine, and Wilderness Medical Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Mary L Windle, PharmD  Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Barry J Evans, MD  Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Temple University Medical School; Director of Pediatric Critical Care and Pulmonology, Associate Chair for Pediatric Education, Temple University Children's Medical Center

Barry J Evans, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Chest Physicians, American Thoracic Society, and Society of Critical Care Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Mary E Cataletto, MD  Director of Children's Sleep Services, Winthrop Sleep Disorders Center, Mineola, NY; Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY

Mary E Cataletto, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Chest Physicians

Disclosure: Shering Plough Pharmaceuticals Honoraria Consulting

Chief Editor

Timothy E Corden, MD  Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Co-Director, Policy Core, Injury Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin; Associate Director, PICU, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Timothy E Corden, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, Phi Beta Kappa, Society of Critical Care Medicine, and Wisconsin Medical Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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