Giving IV potassium at faster rates (20–25 meq/hr) may inadvertently expose the heart to a sudden increase in potassium, potentially causing dangerous abnormal heart rhythms such as heart block or asystole. Faster infusion rates are therefore generally only performed in locations in which the heart rhythm can be continuously monitored such as a critical care unit. When replacing potassium intravenously, particularly when higher concentrations of potassium are used, infusion by a central line is encouraged to avoid the occurrence of a burning sensation at the site of infusion, or the rare occurrence of damage to the vein. When peripheral infusions are necessary, the burning can be reduced by diluting the potassium in larger amounts of fluid, or adding a small dose of lidocaine to the intravenous fluid, although adding lidocaine may increase the likelihood of medical errors. Even in severe hypokalemia, oral supplementation is preferred given its safety profile. Sustained-release formulations should be avoided in acute settings. Potassium-sparing diuretics
Hypokalemia which is recurrent or resistant to treatment may be amenable to a potassium-sparing diuretic, such as amiloride, triamterene, spironolactone, or eplerenone. Concomitant hypomagnesemia will inhibit potassium replacement, as magnesium is a cofactor for potassium uptake. Popular culture
The plot of the science fiction novel Destinys Road by Larry Niven centers around the settings scarcity of available potassium, and the resulting deficiency and its effects on the worlds colonists and their society.In the video game Deltarune, Queen expresses concern about one of the characters (Noelle) clipping into a wall and dying slowly from Hypokalemia.
See also
Bartter syndrome
Gitelman syndrome
Hypokalemic acidosis
Potassium deficiency (plant disorder)
Superior mesenteric artery syndrome

References
Further reading
Firth, J (2010). "Disorders of potassium homeostasis". In David A. Warrell; Timothy M. Cox; John D. Firth; Graham S. Ogg (eds.). Oxford Textbook of Medicine. Vol. 1 (5th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. pp. 3831–3845. doi:10.1093/med/9780199204854.003.210202_update_001. ISBN 978-0199204854. Greenlee, M; Wingo, CS; McDonough, AA; Youn, JH; Kone, BC (May 5, 2009). "Narrative review: evolving concepts in potassium homeostasis and hypokalemia" (PDF). Annals of Internal Medicine. 150 (9): 619–25. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-150-9-200905050-00008. PMC 4944758. PMID 19414841. NIHMSID: NIHMS800438. External links
Content of Selected Foods per Common Measure, sorted by nutrient content (Potassium)
List of foods rich in potassium (U. Mass. Med.) National Organization for Rare Disorders: Hypokalemia