Medication for Treating HYPO Periodic Paralysis
In order to prevent permanent muscle weakness, getting Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis treatment is vital.
Since this form of periodic paralysis involves a drop in potassium levels, taking potassium supplements regularly can possibly help. Potassium can also be taken during an episode to try to overcome muscle weakness. Managing stress is another key strategy to help reduce your chances of having a muscle weakness episode. In addition, it might be helpful to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of larger meals with a lot of carbohydrates, because a high-carb meal can trigger an episode.
Your doctor might recommend medications that can help alleviate hypokalemic periodic paralysis symptoms.
Effer-K
Effer-K is an effervescent liquid prescription potassium supplement in tablet form. Simply drop the tablet into a glass of water, wait one minute for the tablet to dissolve, then enjoy the non-carbonated beverage.
Effer-K is the combination of potassium bicarbonate and citric acid as an effervescent tablet. When placed in water, or other aqueous liquids, the citric acid and potassium bicarbonate react. The effervescent reaction provides potassium as potassium citrate in a slightly acidic solution. The initial bicarbonate molecule is bubbled off as carbon dioxide and water. Potassium citrate and water remain. Potassium citrate is the type of potassium found naturally in fruit, which is why Effer-K does not have the harsh, salty taste associated with other forms of potassium.
Potassium Chloride Solution
Potassium is a mineral that is found in many foods and is needed for several functions of your body, especially the beating of your heart. Potassium chloride is used to prevent or to treat low blood levels of potassium (hypokalemia). Potassium levels can be low as a result of a disease or from taking certain medicines, or after a prolonged illness with diarrhea or vomiting.
Dichlorphenamide
KEVEYIS (pronounced keh-VAY-iss) is a prescription drug by Strongbridge Biopharma TM. It is the first and only FDA-approved periodic paralysis treatment. Each KEVEYIS tablet contains 50 mg of the active ingredient, dichlorphenamide, and a tablet is usually prescribed to be taken once or twice daily. This medication can be used for hyperkalemic and hypokalemic periodic paralysis, as well as other similar diseases.
Mechanism of Action: Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitor
Additional Resources: Xeris TM CareConnection
Patient Assistance telephone: 844-KEVEYIS (844-538-3947)
KEVEYIS®
Eplerenone
Eplerenone is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Eplerenone is in a class of medications called mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of aldosterone, a natural substance in the body that raises blood pressure.
High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.
Spironolactone
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt and keeps your potassium levels from getting too low.
Spironolactone is used to treat heart failure, high blood pressure (hypertension), or hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood).
Triamterene
Triamterene is a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt and keeps your potassium levels from getting too low. Triamterene is used to treat fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or a kidney condition called nephrotic syndrome. Triamterene is also used to treat edema caused by using steroid medicine or having too much aldosterone in your body. Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands to help regulate the salt and water balance in your body.
Amiloride
It is used to treat or prevent low potassium levels.