A common food additive, potassium chloride is used by manufacturers as a flavor enhancer and salt substitute. It may be a healthy alternative to salt, particularly if you have an underlying disorder, such as high blood pressure. However, if you take a prescription medication for hypertension or other cardiac conditions, concurrent use of that medication and potassium chloride may be contraindicated. Understanding this contraindication may help you avoid the symptoms and complications associated with hyperkalemia, a potassium level that is too high.
Hyperkalemia
Your blood potassium level should be above 3.5 and below 4.9 milliequivalents per liter. (2) If your potassium creeps higher than this range, you may experience such symptoms as nausea, fatigue and muscle weakness. Particularly if you are at risk for hyperkalemia, you should notify your doctor at the onset of such symptoms. If you experience abnormal heart rhythms or temporary paralysis, these symptoms are a sign that your serum potassium level is higher than 6.0 milliequivalents per liter, which is a life-threatening scenario warranting emergency medical treatment.
Causes of Hyperkalemia
There are several reasons that your potassium may become too high, including heavy drug use, alcoholism, excessive use of potassium supplements and acute or chronic kidney failure. Another cause of hyperkalemia is the use of certain medications associated with increased potassium levels. And if you eat too many potassium-rich foods, such as those containing the salt-substitute potassium chloride, while you are taking such medications, you can unknowingly compound the problem and put your health at risk.
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics and ACE Inhibitors
If you have heart disease or another disease that causes fluid to build up in your body, your doctor may prescribe a diuretic, or water pill, to treat this condition. A diuretic helps your body eliminate the excess fluid through your urine. Some diuretics, however, may cause your body to retain potassium, in which case your doctor will likely recommend that you limit your intake of high-potassium foods, including potassium-chloride salt substitutes, to avoid developing hyperkalemia. The same is true of other medications, such as ACE inhibitors, used to treat high blood pressure and other disorders. Potassium-sparing diuretics and ACE inhibitors are associated with increased blood potassium, and adding more dietary potassium greatly increases your risk for hyperkalemia.
Other Medications Associated With Hyperkalemia
Other medications, such as ibuprofen and heparin, may cause an elevation in serum potassium. Ibuprofen belongs to a class of anti-inflammatory medications called NSAIDs, and heparin is an anticoagulant medication used to treat and prevent blood clots in your body. Other drugs associated with hyperkalemia include alpha- and beta-blockers, which medical professionals prescribe for the treatment of high blood pressure. Digitalis, another cardiac medication, can also cause an increased potassium level. Talk to your doctor about your risks for high potassium when taking any of these medications, especially if you routinely use foods containing potassium chloride.
References
- Center for Science In the Public Interest: Chemical Cuisine
- MayoClinic.com: Hyperkalemia (High Potassium): Definition
- MayoClinic.com: Hyperkalemia (High Potassium): When to See a Doctor
- MayoClinic.com: Hyperkalemia (High Potassium): Causes
- Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute: Potassium
- Drugs.com: Potassium Chloride
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