Potassium, an essential mineral found in a number of foods, can be dangerous in high doses. Taking potassium supplements can cause serious complications in people who already have, or who are at risk of, developing high potassium levels. Never take potassium supplements without your doctor's approval. High levels of dietary potassium are not known to cause dangerous potassium levels, the Linus Pauling Institute reports.
Amount
People with low potassium levels need supplements given orally or via intravenous infusion. Because everyone's needs are different, it's difficult to say what a dangerous dose of potassium would be; it varies from person to person. Taking 18 g as an oral dose of supplemental potassium can cause serious side effects in people not used to taking high doses of the mineral, the Linus Pauling Institute states. Unless your doctor prescribes it for you, don't take potassium in any amount. The normal dose for adults is 200 mg or 51 milliequivalents, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The recommended dietary intake of potassium to decrease your risk of stroke, high blood pressure and kidney stones is 4.7 g.
Risk Factors
People who are in kidney failure or who take potassium-sparing diuretics may develop high potassium levels, or hyperkalemia. Certain blood pressure medications, steroids, heart medications and anticoagulants can also increase the risk of hyperkalemia. As people age, their kidneys often work less efficiently, increasing the possibility of high potassium levels. Dehydration, laxative use, diabetes or severe burns can also increase your susceptibility to developing hyperkalemia. Taking over-the-counter potassium pills if you have these medical conditions or others could cause levels to rise dangerously.
Side Effects
Side effects of potassium overdose include stomach problems such as diarrhea, stomach pain and nausea. At higher doses, muscle weakness, tingling and numbness in the hands, feet or mouth, bradycardia, which is a slower than normal heart rate, and temporary paralysis can occur. Other signs include extreme thirst or increased urination, confusion and anxiety. Stomach ulceration can occur, leading to blood in your stool or vomit. A slow heart beat can be accompanied by an irregular heartbeat that can lead to death in some cases. If you have any of these side effects, reports them to your physician immediately.
Considerations
If you think you have low potassium levels, see your doctor and have blood drawn. Taking potassium supplements without your doctor's knowledge could be dangerous in some cases, the People's Pharmacy warns.
Member Comments