Kalimate for high potassium

[Scotwight]

Doctor prescribed Kalimate powder for high potassium is it as dangerous as I read it is on the internet? Intestinal perforation may occur.

I can read the stuff on the internet actual experience would be appreciated. Thank you.

[tonray]

Are you currently in renal failure ? (Kidney's failing) If so....you may have to accept the risks of this.

[sunnyjim5]

I have no idea about what you have been reading on the internet but I can assure you that a high potassium is vastly more "dangerous" than any side effect the required medication may pose.

The Kalimate should be taken exactly as prescribed and in accord with the manufactures instructions.

You will need regular follow up appointments with your doctor and regular blood tests.

[Sheryl]

Virtually every drug imaginable has some serious adverse effect which could occur.

Intestinal perforation possibly due to kalimate has been reported in a handful of patients only. It is quite rare.

More common side effects are constipation (9.2%), and nausea/loss of appetite (1.5%).

There is also always a risk of over or under correcting the potassium imbalance, for which close lab monitoring is essential.

An abnormally high potassium level is a serious medical emergency. It can interfere with cardiac function and even cause cardiac arrest. In fact, potassium is one of the drugs used for "lethal injection".

[Scotwight]

Thank you for the information. Potassium level 5.9 due to taking ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure. Level checked every 90 days by blood test. 7 hours between blood drawn and when tested and blood shaken up in transportation 30 miles from test site to hospital.

Edited February 20, 2016 by Scotwight

[sunnyjim5]

Potassium level 5.9 due to taking ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure. Level checked every 90 days by blood test. 7 hours between blood drawn and when tested and blood shaken up in transportation 30 miles from test site to hospital.

If you have not already done so you might like to discuss with your Dr. the possibility of taking a different anti hypertensive agent.

You description of specimen handling is somewhat alarming and could result in erroneously high potassium levels being reported. If possible you should arrange blood tests to be drawn at the testing site.

[Sheryl]

1. Are you diabetic? Or with any known kidney problem? As significant elevation of potassium does not usually occur with people on ACE inhibitors unless these other risk factors are present.

2. Before doing/taking anything I would get a repeat lab test done on site at the hospital. It would be not only unnecessary but potentially harmful to take the Kalimate if in fact your potassium level was normal.

3. If repeat test confirms that the potassium is elevated then indeed discuss with your doctor a change or modification in meds. A switch from ACE inhibitor alone to ACE inhibitor plus a low dose of hydrochlorthiazide (a diuretic which tend s to lower potassium) might be one option.

[Scotwight]

1. Are you diabetic? Or with any known kidney problem? As significant elevation of potassium does not usually occur with people on ACE inhibitors unless these other risk factors are present.

2. Before doing/taking anything I would get a repeat lab test done on site at the hospital. It would be not only unnecessary but potentially harmful to take the Kalimate if in fact your potassium level was normal.

3. If repeat test confirms that the potassium is elevated then indeed discuss with your doctor a change or modification in meds. A switch from ACE inhibitor alone to ACE inhibitor plus a low dose of hydrochlorthiazide (a diuretic which tend s to lower potassium) might be one option.

Not diabetic or known kidney problems. I'll have the test done at the hospital and talk to the doctor. I take it that 5.9 potassium level is not life threatening as it has been at that level for a year.

[tonray]

1. Are you diabetic? Or with any known kidney problem? As significant elevation of potassium does not usually occur with people on ACE inhibitors unless these other risk factors are present.

2. Before doing/taking anything I would get a repeat lab test done on site at the hospital. It would be not only unnecessary but potentially harmful to take the Kalimate if in fact your potassium level was normal.

3. If repeat test confirms that the potassium is elevated then indeed discuss with your doctor a change or modification in meds. A switch from ACE inhibitor alone to ACE inhibitor plus a low dose of hydrochlorthiazide (a diuretic which tend s to lower potassium) might be one option.

Not diabetic or known kidney problems. I'll have the test done at the hospital and talk to the doctor. I take it that 5.9 potassium level is not life threatening as it has been at that level for a year.

Then as Sheryl alluded to...you need to find a better BP med. There are many that are not Potassium sparing so you should not get a buildup. ACE inhibitors are old school...newer drugs called ARBs (I take one myself) have less side effects and do the same thing..but you still need to find the real reason for potassium buildup....normally an ACE inhibitior will not cause a problem unless coupled with reckless diet in regards to potassium.

Avoid foods high in potassium.

Drink plenty of water

NEVER use salt substitutes which use potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride as the 'salt'

If you cannot figure out the high level...I would visit with a kidney specialist...because perhaps there is a problem you do not know about. This may be a sign that your kidneys cannot clear potassium and may lead to eventual failure. Do not wait.

[Scotwight]

1. Are you diabetic? Or with any known kidney problem? As significant elevation of potassium does not usually occur with people on ACE inhibitors unless these other risk factors are present.

2. Before doing/taking anything I would get a repeat lab test done on site at the hospital. It would be not only unnecessary but potentially harmful to take the Kalimate if in fact your potassium level was normal.

3. If repeat test confirms that the potassium is elevated then indeed discuss with your doctor a change or modification in meds. A switch from ACE inhibitor alone to ACE inhibitor plus a low dose of hydrochlorthiazide (a diuretic which tend s to lower potassium) might be one option.

Not diabetic or known kidney problems. I'll have the test done at the hospital and talk to the doctor. I take it that 5.9 potassium level is not life threatening as it has been at that level for a year.

Then as Sheryl alluded to...you need to find a better BP med. There are many that are not Potassium sparing so you should not get a buildup. ACE inhibitors are old school...newer drugs called ARBs (I take one myself) have less side effects and do the same thing..but you still need to find the real reason for potassium buildup....normally an ACE inhibitior will not cause a problem unless coupled with reckless diet in regards to potassium.

Avoid foods high in potassium.

Drink plenty of water

NEVER use salt substitutes which use potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride as the 'salt'

If you cannot figure out the high level...I would visit with a kidney specialist...because perhaps there is a problem you do not know about. This may be a sign that your kidneys cannot clear potassium and may lead to eventual failure. Do not wait.

Thanks. Sorry I checked my report again and the level is 5.6 not 5.9. Seems like both ARB's and ACE inhibitors both increase potassium

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2013/12/26/new-blood-pressure-recommendations-could-cause-some-people-problems/

ARB side effects: Potassium retention and build up (hyperkalemia)

Edited February 21, 2016 by Scotwight

[Sheryl]

While elevated potassium is a possible side effect with both ACEs and ARBs, significant increase does not usually occur in non-diabetics with normal kidney function.

Now "usually" is the operative word, exceptions do occur and maybe you are one of them. But to be sure, when you go to the hospital to get the potassium re-checked have them also measure your creatnine and BUN (kidney function).

Also - are you staying adequately hydrated?

[Scotwight]

While elevated potassium is a possible side effect with both ACEs and ARBs, significant increase does not usually occur in non-diabetics with normal kidney function.

Now "usually" is the operative word, exceptions do occur and maybe you are one of them. But to be sure, when you go to the hospital to get the potassium re-checked have them also measure your creatnine and BUN (kidney function).

Also - are you staying adequately hydrated?

I think I have had those kidney function tests but not sure how to read the results. I used to drink a lot of coke now I'm switching to water.

I'm a white guy don't know what the reference to Thai and African means in the results. Is it me? Or just for reference? Thanks much I don't mean to take up too much of anyone's time. Thanks again.

Edited February 21, 2016 by Scotwight

[Sheryl]

Your creatnine is elevated and your GFR is low. These values suggest early stages of renal failure. Which would explain the high potassium.

You should consult a renal specialist (nephrologist) as soon as possible.

[sunnyjim5]

+1

Agreed. The OP should make urgent arrangements for a Specialist consultation ASAP.

[Scotwight]

Your creatnine is elevated and your GFR is low. These values suggest early stages of renal failure. Which would explain the high potassium.

You should consult a renal specialist (nephrologist) as soon as possible.

Thanks will do.

[Scotwight]

Hospital today the first test was mishandled. Today tested at the hospital and it was down to 4. normal. Good thing to check everything before taking drugs prescribed by a doctor. Last time he prescribed me a drug I was allergic to (I checked on the Internet before swallowing). Difference between fresh blood and 8 hour old shaken up blood 5.6 to 4.0 potassium reading. I guess I was expecting too much to expect the testing facility (expensive first class private hospital) to realize the potential problems.

[Sheryl]

That is good but still need to look into kidney function. When blood hemolyzes potassium is released from the cells so a difficult blood draw or specimen mishandling will easily give a false elevation of serum potassium.

Upcountry private hospitals are often best avoided.