DefinitionHypokalemia is a lower-than-normal amount of potassium in the blood.Alternative NamesPotassium - low; Low blood potassiumCauses, incidence, and risk factorsPotassium is needed for cells, especially nerve and muscle cells, to function properly. You get potassium through food. The kidneys remove excess potassium in the urine to keep a proper balance of the mineral in the body.Hypokalemia is a metabolic disorder that occurs when the level of potassium in the blood drops too low.Possible causes of hypokalemia include:Certain antibiotics (carbenicillin, gentamicin, amphotericin B)Certain drugs, called diuretics, that can cause excess urinationDiarrhea (including the use of too many laxatives, which can cause diarrhea)Diseases that affect the kidney's ability to retain potassium (for e