Dall J L
Drugs. 1986;31 Suppl 4:202-6. doi: 10.2165/00003495-198600314-00024.
The elderly not only have lower body stores of potassium, but also tend to eat a diet relatively low in potassium content. Loss of muscle strength, constipation and mental apathy are all features of potassium deficiency. In addition, serious arrhythmias have been attributed to hypokalaemia and must therefore be prevented. While potassium supplements may replete body potassium stores, they often require large amounts and may still be ineffective in preventing diuretic-induced hypokalaemia. Thus, several guidelines for the rational and safe use of diuretics in the elderly have been proposed including in addition to potassium supplementation, the determination of dietary and total body potassium sources, dosage of the diuretic and intensity of the diuresis, and the relationship between potassium and calcium and magnesium.
老年人不仅体内钾储备较低，而且往往摄入钾含量相对较低的饮食。肌肉力量丧失、便秘和精神淡漠都是缺钾的特征。此外，严重心律失常已被归因于低钾血症，因此必须加以预防。虽然钾补充剂可能会补充体内钾储备，但通常需要大量服用，而且在预防利尿剂引起的低钾血症方面可能仍然无效。因此，已经提出了一些关于老年人合理安全使用利尿剂的指南，除了补充钾之外，还包括确定饮食和全身钾来源、利尿剂剂量和利尿强度，以及钾与钙和镁之间的关系。
