Potassium facilitates muscle function, which allows your body to move and your digestive system to get rid of waste through peristalsis. The mineral also makes it possible for your heart to pump blood. Atenolol is a drug for high blood pressure. The medicine may increase the concentration of potassium in your body. Do not supplement the mineral while on atenolol unless your doctor prescribes it. Too much potassium is dangerous to your health.
Potassium-Atenolol Interaction
The interaction between potassium and atenolol is described in the August 2009 issue of the French medical journal "La Revue de Médecine Interne." The report concerns a woman who developed hyperkalemia -- potassium toxicity -- while taking the blood-pressure drug. After she suspended the medicine, her potassium level went back to normal. On resuming atenolol intake, the mineral again rose to abnormal levels. Her potassium troubles ended after she discontinued treatment with atenolol.
Hyperkalemia Risks
Sometimes hyperkalemia occurs without any symptoms, says PubMed Health, an information website of the National Institutes of Health. That makes it important that your doctor check your potassium level regularly while you on atenolol. When you feel the symptoms of too much potassium, you may experience an abnormal heartbeat. A weak pulse and nausea are also possible. Other symptoms of hyperkalemia are paralysis, muscle weakness and tingling in your hands and feet. Hyperkalemia can also make your heart stop.
Why It Happens
The authors of the report in "La Revue de Médecine Interne" say it is probable that atenolol impairs the transfer of potassium from the outside to the inside of cells, creating a large accumulation of the mineral on the outside. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, under normal circumstances, the level of potassium in your cells is 30 times greater than outside.
Hyperkalemia Treatment
With the help of lab tests, your doctor can devise the best hyperkalemia treatment for you. It may be as simple as discontinuing the doses of atenolol. If your potassium level becomes very high, you may need emergency care, says PubMed Health. As part of urgent treatment, you may receive dialysis, which involves a machine that filters impurities from your blood. You may also take sodium polystyrene sulfonate, a medication that binds to potassium, helping you to expel the excess mineral in your stool. You may also need calcium supplementation to counteract the adverse effects of too much potassium in the bloodstream.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Potassium; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; May 6, 2009
- PubMed Health: Atenolol
- "La Revue de Médecine Interne"; Hyperkalemia Induced by Atenolol; H. Kassem, et al.; August 2009
- PubMed Health; Hyperkalemia; David C. Dugdale, III, M.D., et al.; Nov. 15, 2009
- Linus Pauling Institute; Potassium; Jane Higdon, Ph.D., et al.; December 2010
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