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What Causes Itching Palms And Back After Having Potassium Supplements?
Question: My Mom was given a prescription for potassium supplements following some heart difficulties. She is now experiencing itching with no rash - especially on her palms, her back and the soles of her feet. Could the potassium be to blame?
Could too much potassium cause not only the itching but also high blood pressure?
Could too much potassium cause not only the itching but also high blood pressure?
Brief Answer:
not related to potassium supplementation
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXX,
Greetings from health care magic!!! I am Dr Thakker and shall be answering your question.
Your mother has been given potassium chloride supplementation for low potassium levels. Normal potassium levels are important for maintaining normal conduction in the heart tissue.
Potassium chloride commonly causes gastritis and acidity as a side effect. Excessive dosing can lead to hyperkalemia. However itching is a rare side effect. There is one case of dermatitis reported in case studies secondary to potassium chloride administration.
The high blood pressure has no relation to potassium supplementation. It is due to atherosclerosis and changes in kidney function with age. Hormonal factors can also play a role sometimes.
I hope this helps you out. If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to write back to me.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Thakker.
not related to potassium supplementation
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXX,
Greetings from health care magic!!! I am Dr Thakker and shall be answering your question.
Your mother has been given potassium chloride supplementation for low potassium levels. Normal potassium levels are important for maintaining normal conduction in the heart tissue.
Potassium chloride commonly causes gastritis and acidity as a side effect. Excessive dosing can lead to hyperkalemia. However itching is a rare side effect. There is one case of dermatitis reported in case studies secondary to potassium chloride administration.
The high blood pressure has no relation to potassium supplementation. It is due to atherosclerosis and changes in kidney function with age. Hormonal factors can also play a role sometimes.
I hope this helps you out. If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to write back to me.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Thakker.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Hello Dr. Thakker,
What is normal range for potassium levels? If a person has a 3.9 level, is a potassium supplement necessary? Thank you.
What is normal range for potassium levels? If a person has a 3.9 level, is a potassium supplement necessary? Thank you.
Brief Answer:
normal range 3.5 to 5 meq/L
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXX,
Normal potassium levels are 3.5 to 5 meq/L. Since your mother has potassium level of 3.9meq/L, supplementation is not required currently and it can be stopped. I would advise a banana a day since it is a rich source of potassium.
I hope this helps you out. If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to write back to me.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Thakker.
normal range 3.5 to 5 meq/L
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXX,
Normal potassium levels are 3.5 to 5 meq/L. Since your mother has potassium level of 3.9meq/L, supplementation is not required currently and it can be stopped. I would advise a banana a day since it is a rich source of potassium.
I hope this helps you out. If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to write back to me.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Thakker.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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