Hyperkalemia Treatment Options

Stabilize cardiac membrane:

 • IV Calcium (peaks 5-10 minutes)

Decrease potassium concentration:

 • IV Fluids

Shift potassium intracellularly:

 • Insulin + dextrose (peaks 30-60 minutes)

 • Albuterol (4-8x dose used for bronchodilation)  (peaks 90 minutes)

 • Sodium bicarbonate

Potassium excretion:

 • Urinary (if preserved renal function) - Loop diuretic (often with saline IVF)  (peaks minutes)

 • Stool - Kayexylate +/- lactulose  (peaks 1-2h)

 • Blood - Hemodialysis



By Dr. Christian Matar @LouLectures



#Hyperkalemia #management #potassium #nephrology