Low electrolytes

[Marydoll589]

Hi I’m on Relvar and 2 puffs of Respimat at night along with montelucast and anti histamine. I’ve been getting sore feet when walking and pain tingling in muscles in feet and legs. I notice it especially after taking the Respimat. Anyone else have this? It’s becoming quite a problem. I started taking electrolyte capsules and it’s really helped. I know inhalers can affect potassium levels.

[Poobah]

I take a small amount of potassium supplement now because my inhalers have affected my levels. I think some patients are more affected than others but it would be nice if blood tests were standard to address these issues. I wasn't aware of the potassium issue until I developed high blood pressure thanks to a new inhaler.

[TeachKat]

Hi - I’m on fostair 200\6, Spiriva Respimat, Montelukast, Uniphyllin Continus and oral steroids. I’ve been really bothered by trembling and fast heart rate after taking all this and after a bit of googling decided to take potassium, magnesium and calcium supplements (at lowish doses). I started two days ago and it seems to be helping.

[twinkly29]

Like Poobah I am also on a low dose of potassium supplement (consultant prescribed) but I wouldn't recommend just taking some without discussing with a doctor because potassium that's too high can also be dangerous for the heart. It's only fairly recently that pharmacists haven't had a slightly alarmed discussion with me about being on them at home - as that's only because they know my history and the current situation and what usually is my norm because of that.

Having said that, foods high in potassium are actually pretty effective too - and contrary to popular belief, bananas aren't the "best" for potassium. They're up there but jacket potatoes, yogurt, dried fruits, tomatoes, green veg and salmon are very good too.

[Marydoll589 in reply to twinkly29]

Thanks. I’ve been taking a 99mg tablet for quite some time. The daily requirement is about 4500mg for an adult so it is a low dose. I’m beginning to think I’m developing a side effect to Spiriva, that it is dilating the blood vessels in my legs and feet in the same way it does to your bronchi. So hard to get near a doctor these days but think I need to try. The pain and tingling starts after I take it and it’s hard to sleep.

[twinkly29 in reply to Marydoll589]

Ah sorry, my mistake, I'm on something different as it's not measured in the same units - so am sure what you've got is fine!