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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 Despite Taking Potassium Supplements And Potassium IV Fluids?

my mom finished chemo for lung cancer a couple months ago. about a month ago, she got real sick with pheumonia and her electrolytes got low. what could be causing her potassium level to remain low, even with potassium supplements and even potassium IVs?
Thu, 12 Feb 2015
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Alterations in the kidneys or the adrenal glands can cause changes in hormones that control levels of potassium in the body. Certain drugs can also cause a loss of potassium. This would be aggravated if the hormone balances are off, and could cause potassium loss despite supplements. Suggest she discuss further evaluation with her doctor to diagnose this possibility. Also review meds to see if one of them could be contributing and perhaps make changes in prescriptions. There are also medicines that can help retain potassium. Hope this helps.
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What Causes Low Potassium Level Despite Taking Potassium Supplements And Potassium IV Fluids?

Alterations in the kidneys or the adrenal glands can cause changes in hormones that control levels of potassium in the body. Certain drugs can also cause a loss of potassium. This would be aggravated if the hormone balances are off, and could cause potassium loss despite supplements. Suggest she discuss further evaluation with her doctor to diagnose this possibility. Also review meds to see if one of them could be contributing and perhaps make changes in prescriptions. There are also medicines that can help retain potassium. Hope this helps.