Low‐dose oral propranolol for treatment of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis with hypokalaemia in the emergency department: A case report. (8th January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wassner, Chanie; Cheng, Susan H.
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics. Volume 46:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 208
• Page End: 211
• Publication Date: 2020-01-08
• Subjects: anti-arrhythmia agents -- drug therapy -- emergency medicine -- hyperthyroidism -- hypokalemia; Clinical pharmacology -- Periodicals; Chemotherapy -- Periodicals; 615
• DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.13108
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-4727

Abstract

Abstract: What is known and objective: Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) with hypokalaemia is a rare acute phenomenon. Reports of the use of high‐dose non‐selective β‐blockers describe symptom resolution, but often administration does not occur promptly enough in the treatment course and patients may experience overcorrection and hyperkalaemia. Case description: A 37‐year‐old Hispanic male developed TPP. Patient was successfully treated with low‐dose oral propranolol and potassium supplementation with no overcorrection. What is new and conclusion: Delay in the administration of non‐selective β‐blockers may lead to overcorrection of potassium with exogenous supplementation. Low‐dose propranolol administered in the Emergency Department was successful in preventing overcorrection of potassium. Abstract : Low‐dose oral propranolol was administered in the Emergency Department for management of a patient with thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP). Hypokalaemia was corrected with no overcorrection.