Potassium (K) in Blood

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

• Taking potassium supplements. Most people have the test while still taking their pills so the results may be different because of that.
• Taking medicines, such as antibiotics that contain potassium (such as a type of penicillin g), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), heparin, insulin, glucose, corticosteroids, diuretics, medicines used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease, and natural licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra).
• The overuse of laxatives.
• Severe vomiting.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: January 10, 2007
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.