Hypokalaemic periodic paralysis: treatment
Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .
Hypokalaemic periodic paralysis: treatment. Potassium chloride is preferred, It is taken with plenty of water. Fully referenced neurology checklist.
Oral potassium
- Potassium chloride is preferred
- The dose is 0.2-0.4mEq/kg every 30 minutes: the maximum dose is 200-250mEq/day
- It is taken with plenty of water
- Avoid slow release preparations
Intravenous potassium
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Potassium sparing diuretics
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Other diuretics
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Other treatments of attacks
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Triggers to avoid
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Preventative diet
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Preventative potassium intake
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Perioperative measures
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References
- Statland JM, Fontaine B, Hanna MG, et al. Review of the diagnosis and treatment of periodic paralysis. Muscle Nerve 2018; 57:522-530.
- Meola G, Hanna MG, Fontaine B. Diagnosis and new treatment in muscle channelopathies. JNNP 2009; 80: 360-365.
- Levitt JO. Practical aspects in the management of hypokalemic periodic paralysis. J Transl Med 2008; 6:18.
- Sansone VA, Burge J, McDermott MP, et al; Muscle Study Group. Randomized, placebo-controlled trials of dichlorphenamide in periodic paralysis. Neurology 2016; 86:1408-1416.
- Haider S, Siddiqui AD, Asad M, et al. Safety and efficacy of dichlorphenamide in patients with periodic paralysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neuromuscul Disord 2026; 58:106300.
