What other causes are there for a low potassium level?

I recently was diagnosed with sarcoidosis and was put on prednisone. Now my serum potassium level is low. And my doctor says that the prednisone dose he has me on (10 mg) is too small to have any side effect such as lowering my potassium level. What other causes are there for a low potassium level?

Answer

Prednisone can cause a low potassium and this is a common side effect of chronic administration of the drug. Physicians prescribing it look for electrolyte imbalance and hypokalemia (as low potassium is called). Sodium retention with resultant edema, potassium loss, and high blood pressure may occur in patients receiving glucocorticoids (steroids). Taking a 10 mg dose of prednisone for a few months is considered a prolonged dose.

With sarcoidosis you may need to have a steroid preparation for longer periods of time. Dietary salt restriction is advisable and potassium supplementation may be necessary. If your potassium remains low your physician may elect to give you a pill to supplement your potassium loss. Of course this depends on whether you can regain your normal potassium levels using fruits, orange juice, raisins, bananas and other high potassium foods.

Other causes of low potassium are kidney disease, diuretics (fluid pills), uncontrolled diabetes, chronic vomiting, laxative abuse and chronic diarrhea.