If the blood potassium level is low, you can take oral medication to replenish potassium ions or wait for the blood potassium level to return to normal after the cause of the disease is clarified before using Lactulose to treat constipation.
Normal body potassium concentration ranges from 3.5 to 5.5 mmol/L. If the blood potassium level is only slightly lower than the normal level, you can take oral supplementation of potassium-containing medication such as potassium chloride delayed-release tablets to bring it back to normal and then use Lactulose for the treatment of constipation.
However, if the concentration of potassium ions in the blood is significantly low, it is recommended to go to the hospital to find out the cause of the low potassium level, and take measures such as oral potassium solution or intravenous potassium chloride injection to actively replenish the blood potassium level, and then use lactulose to relieve constipation when the blood potassium level is back to normal. Avoid arrhythmia caused by low potassium, defecation may aggravate low potassium or increase the risk of arrhythmia or even life-threatening.
Common causes of hypokalemia include Cushing’s syndrome, aldosteronism, and inadequate potassium intake. Prompt medical attention is recommended if low blood potassium is detected, and the above medications are recommended to be used under doctor’s supervision.