Flucloxacillin-induced hypokalaemia: a case report. Issue 6 (2nd November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: De Backer, Eva; Hannon, Heidi
• Is Part Of: Acta clinica belgica. Volume 73:Issue 6(2018)
• Page Start: 435
• Page End: 438
• Publication Date: 2018-11-02
• Subjects: Electrolyte disturbances -- hypokalaemia -- antibiotic therapy; Clinical medicine -- Periodicals; Diagnosis, Laboratory -- Periodicals; 616.005
• DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2018.1439274
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1784-3286

Abstract

Abstract: Objective and importance: Flucloxacillin is a narrow-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotic with activity against penicillinase producing staphylococci and streptococci . Severe hypokalaemia is an uncommon, but serious adverse effect in patients treated with penicillin derivates. Clinical presentation: We report a case of severe hypokalaemia in a patient treated with high dose intravenous flucloxacillin. Conclusion: This case report highlights the importance of monitoring electrolytes during treatment with high dose flucloxacillin. If severe hypokalaemia is noted during treatment, this should be considered in the differential diagnosis.