Can Potassium Chloride Supplement Cause Leg Cramps?
Question: Good morning: Can over-prescribing of potassium chloride cause extensive cramping in legs/feet?
Thank you!
XXXXXXX
YYYY@YYYY
Thank you!
XXXXXXX
YYYY@YYYY
Brief Answer:
It can but so can too little potassium.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Hyperkalemia, too much potassium in the blood, can cause muscle weakness, muscle fatigue, and in some cases, muscle cramping. But these can also be symptoms of hypokalemia - too little potassium. If you have reason for either of these situations and are having a lot of leg cramping, I recommend you go in to an urgent care clinic to have your potassium and sodium levels checked, and whatever dose of supplemental potassium chloride adjusted.
I hope this information helps.
It can but so can too little potassium.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Hyperkalemia, too much potassium in the blood, can cause muscle weakness, muscle fatigue, and in some cases, muscle cramping. But these can also be symptoms of hypokalemia - too little potassium. If you have reason for either of these situations and are having a lot of leg cramping, I recommend you go in to an urgent care clinic to have your potassium and sodium levels checked, and whatever dose of supplemental potassium chloride adjusted.
I hope this information helps.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you doctor, I'm on the low end but have been on IV and tablet forms of KCl for the last 4 days and thought my levels would have fallen into the accepted range by now. I'll keep plugging along, thanks again! XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
OK
Detailed Answer:
Potassium, if too low due to medication or medical reasons, can be tricky to correct and should be monitored (with blood draws for potassium) frequently when taking potassium via IV.
If I can help in any way, please let me know.
OK
Detailed Answer:
Potassium, if too low due to medication or medical reasons, can be tricky to correct and should be monitored (with blood draws for potassium) frequently when taking potassium via IV.
If I can help in any way, please let me know.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar