[Serum potassium and urine potassium concentrations following single and repeated potassium load]

Levels of potassium concentration have been determined after single and repeated oral application of potassium. The maximum level of serumpotassium concentration was found about 2 hours after intake of 120 mval potassium. The concentration of potassium did not return to basic values within 24 hours. The concentration of potassium in urine increased during the first 4 hours. 6 to 12 hours later the maximum level is achieved. This leads to the conclusion that enterally applicated potassium is shifted into the intracellular space and is later released into the extracellular space. Repeated application of potassium in diminished dosages leads to reduced increased of serum and urin potassium concentration. The increase in concentration remains relatively constant during the whole period of application. For longterm therapy with oral potassium an application of a minimum dosage of 40 mval potassium in an 8 to 12 hours rhythm is reasonable.