What Makes the Potassium Level Increase?
Cause |
Disorders |
Drugs or Other Circumstances |
|
Decreased excretion in urine |
Aliskiren Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors Angiotensin-receptor blockers Cyclosporine (used to prevent rejection of organ transplants) Diuretics that help the kidneys conserve potassium, such as eplerenone, spironolactone, and triamterene Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Tacrolimus (used to prevent rejection of organ transplants) Trimethoprim (an antibiotic) |
|
|
Release of potassium from cells |
Burns, if severe Crush injuries Diabetes mellitus (especially diabetic ketoacidosis) Muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) |
Beta-blockers Cancer chemotherapy Exercise if strenuous and prolonged |
|
Increased consumption |
— |
A diet containing potassium-rich foods (such as beans, dark leafy greens, potatoes, fish, and bananas) Intravenous treatments that contain potassium, such as total parenteral nutrition and blood transfusions Potassium supplements |