Potassium repletion (PO or IV)
Every 10mEq KCl → serum K ↑ ~0.1mEq/L
PO preferred (if symptomatic or level is <2.5, both oral and IV should be given)
Oral potassium
Inexpensive and rapidly absorbed
KCl tablet (elixir form available but has poor taste)
K-Dur (extended release tablet) is large and may be difficult to swallow
If sending patient home can also increase food intake of potassium as an alternative or supplementing potassium tablets. Printable table that can be given to the patient available at this reference: .
Intravenous potassium
Must be given in dilute solutions at slow rate (10meq/hour) to minimize side effects and cardiac toxicity
Generally should not give more than 40mEq via IV
Side effects: Local tissue burning, phlebitis, sclerosis
Also treat Hypomagnesemia if present
Re-check ECG after treatment<unk>  in acute or recent myocardial infarction places patients at much higher risk for ventricular fibrillation
Previous studies and many professional organizations recommend maintaining K between 4.0 - 5.0 mEq/L in MI patients
However, more recent studies suggest 3.5 - 4.5 mEq/L results in the lowest mortality
Every 10mEq KCl → serum K ↑ ~0.1mEq/L
PO preferred (if symptomatic or level is <2.5, both oral and IV should be given)
Inexpensive and rapidly absorbed
KCl tablet (elixir form available but has poor taste)
K-Dur (extended release tablet) is large and may be difficult to swallow
If sending patient home can also increase food intake of potassium as an alternative or supplementing potassium tablets. Printable table that can be given to the patient available at this reference: .
Must be given in dilute solutions at slow rate (10meq/hour) to minimize side effects and cardiac toxicity
Generally should not give more than 40mEq via IV
Side effects: Local tissue burning, phlebitis, sclerosis
Previous studies and many professional organizations recommend maintaining K between 4.0 - 5.0 mEq/L in MI patients
However, more recent studies suggest 3.5 - 4.5 mEq/L results in the lowest mortality
Hypokalemia
Alkalosis 
Hyponatremia
Insulin
Hypernatremia
Beta agonists
Hyperkalemia
Hypokalemic periodic paralysis