Hyperkalemia (cont.)Medical Author:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACRDr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. IN THIS ARTICLE
Medical TreatmentTreatment measures can include discontinuing or switching medications if these are responsible for the hyperkalemia. In an urgent situation, intravenous injections of glucose and insulin can help drive potassium back into body cells, and injections of sodium bicarbonate may also be used to promote movement of potassium into cells, reducing its concentration in the bloodstream. Dialysis may be used to remove potassium from the body in severe cases. Medications may be used to help lower the potassium level and to protect the body from the effects of hyperkalemia, such as heart rhythm disturbances. Viewer Comments & ReviewsHyperkalemia - TreatmentThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What treatment did you experience with your Hyperkalemia? Hyperkalemia - Symptoms and SignsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:For hyperkalemia, what were the symptoms and signs you experienced? |
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