Potassium Replacement 🍌
When to Replace
- Potassium is a key intracellular cation and critical for neuromuscular function.
- Mild hypokalaemia (e.g. 3.0–3.4) may not require urgent replacement unless symptomatic or cardiac risk.
- Levels <3.0 usually require replacement, especially in patients with comorbidities or on diuretics.
IV vs Oral
- Oral replacement is preferred when feasible — slower onset, safer, and effective.
- IV replacement should be used with caution and appropriate monitoring, especially via peripheral lines.
Monitoring
- Recheck K+ within 4–6 hours of IV replacement.
- Continuous ECG monitoring for rapid replacement or high-risk patients.
Related Topics
Potassium Replacement
Calculate replacement strategy based on potassium levels
Instructions
Please check your local hospital guidelines before initiating potassium replacement. Enter the patient's potassium level (mmol/L) to get a suggested replacement strategy. Magnesium levels should also be checked and replaced as needed, as hypomagnesaemia can impair potassium repletion.