What are the causes of a low potassium level?
Potassium plays many important roles in the body that include maintaining the health of the heart, nerves and muscles. Hypokalemia–low potassium levels–can trigger several complications. Several causes exist that range from diarrhea to certain medications.Fluid LossYou can also lower potassium levels through excessive fluid loss from things like diarrhea, vomiting, excessive sweating and taking medications that encourage excessive urination.MedicineCertain medicines can interfere with proper potassium levels. They include diuretics, antibiotics like carbenicillin, gentamicin and amphotericin B medications used for asthma and emphysema, insulin and excessive use of laxatives–one of the most common causes, according to Emedicinehealth.com.Kidney ProblemsThe kidneys help maintain normal potassium levels in the body. Several conditions can comprise this function.
