Calcium chloride or calcium gluconate | 10 mL of IV 10% solution | 1–3 min | 0.5–1 | Stabilizes cardiac membranes |
Insulin and glucose | 10 units in 50 mL of 50% dextrose | 15–30 min | 1–2 | Shifts potassium into cells. Decreases serum potassium level by 0.6–1 mmol/L at 1 h4 |
Salbutamol | 0.5 mg of IV salbutamol or 20 mg of nebulized salbutamol | 15–30 min | 4–6 | Shifts potassium into cells. Decreases serum potassium level by 0.3–0.6 mmol/L at 30 min4 |
Sodium bicarbonate* | 150 mEq of sodium bicarbonate with 1 L of 5% dextrose in water | 60 min | Variable | Shifts potassium into cells |
Cation-exchange resins† | 25–50 g, oral or rectal administration | 2 h | 4–6 | GI excretion |
Furosemide | 40 mg IV | Depends on the cause of hyperkalemia | Variable | Renal potassium excretion |