Famotidine induced hypomagnesemia leading to hypocalcemia. Issue 1 (31st January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Essrani, Rajesh; Mehershahi, Shehriyar; Ravi, Shri Jai Kirshan; Essrani, Rajesh Kumar; Sudhakaran, Anuraj; Hossain, Muhammad; Yang, Tsu Jung; Mehmood, Asif
• Is Part Of: Oxford medical case reports. Volume 2020:Issue 1(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-01-31
• Subjects: Gastroenterology and Hepatology -- Nephrology -- Pharmacology -- and pharmacy; Clinical medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 616.09
• DOI: 10.1093/omcr/omz133
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2053-8855

Abstract

Abstract: Fifty-five-year-old female with a past medical history of gastroesophageal reflux disease was admitted to hospital due to increased confusion, and muscle cramps for last 15 days. She was taking famotidine 20 mg twice a day for the last 2 years. She was alert and oriented to person and place only. She had dry skin, positive Chvostek's and Trousseau's sign. Blood work showed 141 mmol/L of sodium, 0.7 mg/dl of creatinine, 5.7 mg/dl of calcium, 0.55 mg/dl of magnesium, low PTH but normal parathyroid related peptide PTHrP, vitamin D (25) and vitamin D (1.25). She was discharged home on electrolyte supplements. She was readmitted with very low calcium and magnesium. Extensive workup including 24 h of urine calcium and magnesium was unimpressive. She was treated with IV therapy and discharged to follow up with nephrology in the clinic, and famotidine was discontinued on second discharge. Her calcium and magnesium levels remained normal, and in a few weeks later, oral electrolyte supplements were discontinued.