Low Potassium

[September17]

Has anyone had low potassium whilst on pred? I am also taking bendroflumethiazide 2.5mg and was experiencing palpitations.Did some research and have found that these drugs combined can cause problems such as palpitations due to low potassium. Off to Dr's today to discuss this!

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

September17, I didn't experience low potassium whilst on Pred but the other drug you are taking is a diuretic so you will be losing potassium through the urine output. It can help to include some potassium-rich foods in your diet, including bananas. I believe water melon is also good. Very wise to check with your Dr in case you need a different medication.

[September17 in reply to Celtic]

Thank you Celtic for your reply. The pred gives me awful head sweats, and that combined with the diuretic is, I'm sure causing my symptoms.

[SheffieldJane in reply to Celtic]

Do you know why we shouldn’t take Potassium supplements with Pred? I am sure PMRPro advised that months ago.

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to SheffieldJane]

Jane, you’re right in that some patients on Pred can experience an increased loss of potassium in their urine which, if not addressed, could lead to a potassium deficiency. Hence the need to be wary of all supplements whilst on Pred until checking them out with a good pharmacist. If ‘September’ is so affected, then the bendroflumethiazide, with its diuretic action, could present a double whammy. Hopefully, her Dr will come up with a solution for her problem today.🤞

[HeronNS in reply to SheffieldJane]

I think that some conditions, including age or reduced kidney function, can lead to a high potassium level which can cause heart rhythm problems. So before taking a supplement it's important to make sure you need it. For example, we are all told to take extra Vitamin D, but I found that a pre-existing condition I have, sarcoidosis, leads to a high D level. So I had to halve what my doctor had recommended to obtain what I need. If most of us have normal or high potassium it would be a bad idea to supplement, but if we have conditions which can lead to potassium depletion then a blood test confirms this and the level will probably continue to be monitored to make sure supplementation is at the right level.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SheffieldJane]

To be honest you shouldn't take potassium supplements anyway unless you need them - and that means the odd blood test...

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

And make sure the potassium reading isn't effected by mishandling of the blood sample. My was showing low but retested and was fine.

[SheffieldJane]

Thanks for the reminder.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Both pred and diuretics cause increased loss of potassium through the kidneys. Your doctor should have been checking your potassium levels.

[SheffieldJane]

I need to prompt that ( like everything else).