Brown M J
Am J Cardiol. 1985 Aug 30;56(6):3D-9D. doi: 10.1016/0002-9149(85)91107-5.
Beta 2-receptor stimulation is required for catecholamine-induced hypokalemia to occur. This hypokalemia is not mediated by insulin, renin or aldosterone. Catecholamine-induced hypokalemia can be prevented by selective beta 2 blockade, which does not abolish the inotropic effect of epinephrine.