decrease in total body potassium
Last edited 02/2018 and last reviewed 04/2022
An abnormal loss of potassium from the body is the commonest cause of hypokalaemia (1).
- medications
- diuretics
- laxatives and enemas
- corticosteroids (1)
- losses from the GI tract
- losses from the renal tract associated with metabolic acidosis
- losses from the renal tract associated with metabolic alkalosis
- skin losses, e.g. excess sweating, burns
- hypomagnesemia
- dialysis/plasmapheresis (1,2)
Reference:
losses from renal tract associated with metabolic acidosis