5. Antibiotics
Antibiotics are prescribed for many different illnesses. One of the issues with taking medications such as an antibiotic will not just target the ailment that it was prescribed for. Some antibiotics will also prevent the body from processing or producing potassium. Over the counter medications may also inhibit the body from processing potassium. Taking natural or herbal supplements can affect the body in a way that is not predictable as well.
Essentially, medications might be the underlying cause of low potassium levels. Some specific antibiotics will change or block the way potassium works in the body. When these antibiotics are taken for a long period, it can cause lower levels of potassium as well as other ailments related to mineral deficiencies. Some of the antibiotics that may lower potassium levels include aminoglycoside, amphotericin B, and penicillin. Most of the time, these antibiotics are only prescribed for a short amount of time because of this.