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Can Potassium Chloride Supplement Cause Leg Cramps?

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Posted on Wed, 9 Nov 2016
Question: Good morning: Can over-prescribing of potassium chloride cause extensive cramping in legs/feet?
Thank you!
XXXXXXX
YYYY@YYYY
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (47 minutes later)
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.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (13 hours later)
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
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (33 minutes later)
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.
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
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3133 Questions

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Can Potassium Chloride Supplement Cause Leg Cramps?

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.