Your Care Instructions

Electrolytes are minerals in your blood. They include sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. When they are not at the right levels, you can feel very ill. You may not know what is causing it, but you know something is wrong. You may feel weak or numb, have muscle spasms, or twitch. Your heart may beat fast. Symptoms are different with each mineral. Too much is as bad as too little.

Minerals help keep your body working as it should. Vomiting, diarrhea, and fever can cause you to lose minerals. A problem with your kidneys can tip a mineral out of balance. So can taking certain medicines.

Your doctor may do more tests. He or she may change your medicine and diet. If you are low in one or more minerals, they may be given through a tube into your vein (I.V.). Your doctor may have you take or drink special fluids or pills. If your kidneys are failing, your blood may be filtered. This is called dialysis. It can put the minerals back in balance.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you have any problems with your medicines. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
• Do not take any medicine without talking to your doctor first. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicines.
• If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
• Your doctor or dietitian may give you a diet plan to help balance your minerals. Follow the diet carefully.