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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Low Potassium Level And Severe Coughing?

I have regular blood tests every month (for about the last 2 years) and never been told anything was wrong it is for Dmards and kidney function now suddenly I have a low potassium level and have had to have a repeat test today. I also have an annoying cough which has got worse over the last month. What could have caused this to suddenly get low , could it be my medications. I take 20mg of Methotrexate weekly and 5mg Folic Acid 3 days later. I also take bisoprolol, coversyl (indapamide) daily as well as omeprazole and 2.5mg of prednisolone. In the evening I take a further Bisoprolol tablet and 20mg of amitryptilline
Tue, 30 Apr 2019
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Of your medications, indapamide is known to frequently cause low potassium, so I would suspect that is the cause. If you continue to use indapamide, you may need to take a potassium supplement with it in order to keep your potassium levels within the normal range. Indapamide causes low potassium because part of how it works is not allowing the kidney reabsorb potassium, which helps it to not reabsorb water, thus allowing you to get rid of more water and potassium with it.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Aaron Branch, General & Family Physician
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What Causes Low Potassium Level And Severe Coughing?

Hello, Of your medications, indapamide is known to frequently cause low potassium, so I would suspect that is the cause. If you continue to use indapamide, you may need to take a potassium supplement with it in order to keep your potassium levels within the normal range. Indapamide causes low potassium because part of how it works is not allowing the kidney reabsorb potassium, which helps it to not reabsorb water, thus allowing you to get rid of more water and potassium with it. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Aaron Branch, General & Family Physician