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Table 2

Selected Medications Associated With Hypokalemia15,13

Medication ClassExamples of Common DrugsMechanism
Antimicrobials
  • Nafcillin
  • Ampicillin
  • Penicillin
  • Aminoglycosides*
  • Amphotericin B*
  • Foscarnet*
Renal potassium loss
Beta2-receptor agonists
  • Albuterol
  • Ephedrine
  • Epinephrine
  • Formoterol
  • Isoproterenol
  • Pseudoephedrine
  • Terbutaline
  • Salmeterol
Shift of potassium from extracellular fluid to intracellular fluid compartment
Diuretics
  • Acetazolamide
  • Bumetanide
  • Chlorthalidone
  • Ethacrynic acid
  • Furosemide
  • Indapamide
  • Metolazone
  • Thiazides
  • Torsemide
Renal potassium loss
InsulinHigh dose (overdose)Shift of potassium from extracellular fluid to intracellular fluid compartment
Mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Fludrocortisone
  • Prednisone
Renal potassium loss
Laxatives
  • Sodium polystyrene sulfonate
  • Phenolphthalein
  • Sorbitol
Stool (gastrointestinal) potassium loss
Xanthines
  • Theophylline
  • Caffeine
Shift of potassium from extracellular fluid to intracellular fluid compartment
OtherVerapamil (in overdose)Shift of potassium from extracellular fluid to intracellular fluid compartment
*Also associated with magnesium depletion
Increases potassium excretion nonspecifically through effect on filtration rate and distal sodium delivery