Seek emergency care immediately if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, severe weakness, fainting, or palpitations
Stop taking potassium supplements and salt substitutes unless a clinician told you to continue
Avoid high-potassium foods and drinks right away
Contact a doctor urgently for same-day guidance and repeat blood testing
Ask about medications that can lower potassium, such as diuretics, potassium binders, insulin with glucose, albuterol, or sodium bicarbonate
Follow any prescribed treatment exactly as directed
If you have kidney disease, diabetes, or take ACE inhibitors, ARBs, spironolactone, or NSAIDs, contact your clinician immediately
Do not try to self-treat severe high potassium at home
Go to the emergency department if potassium is very high or if you have any symptoms
Drink fluids only if your doctor says it is safe for you