[Potassium substitutes during tocolysis].

Abstract

The level of serum potassium during tokolytic therapy with Partusisten and Isoptin decreases in the first 24 hours of therapy. This decrease is not due to an increase in renal potassium elimination. During tokolytic treatment the serum level of potassium returns to its normal value after 48 hours without potassium substitution. While there is a decrease in serum potassium noticeable changes in electrocardiogram which are typial for hypopotassemia are observed. These changes disappear afer 48 hours of tokolytic treatment but never the less the initial serum potassium drop should be balanced by potassium substitution within these 48 hours.