Foscarnet-induced severe hypomagnesemia and other electrolyte disorders.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of possible foscarnet-induced severe hypomagnesemia and other electrolyte disorders.


METHODS
An AIDS patient experienced an exacerbation of cytomegalovirus retinitis and was treated with foscarnet. The patient experienced muscle twitches, tremulousness, and anxiety on day 17 of foscarnet therapy. Laboratory results indicated hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, and hypophosphatemia. After electrolyte supplementation and discontinuation of foscarnet, the symptoms resolved and laboratory indices returned to normal.


CONCLUSIONS
Electrolyte disorders associated with foscarnet are reviewed. Severe hypomagnesemia occurred in this patient and published literature is highlighted. In addition, known and/or possible mechanisms of the disorders are discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
It is probable that foscarnet contributed to the electrolyte disorders and symptomatology in this patient. Electrolytes must be monitored frequently during foscarnet therapy. Also, concomitant therapy with antianxiety medications that may mask the symptoms of electrolyte disorders should be undertaken with caution.
Department of Pharmacy, Good Samaritan Hospital and Health Center, Dayton, OH 45406.
M O
MO
Gearhart
T B
TB
Sorg
D000328:Adult; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D017245:Foscarnet / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications; D006764:Hospitals, Community; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D006996:Hypocalcemia / Q000139:chemically induced; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000139:chemically induced; D008275:Magnesium Deficiency / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008297:Male; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000097:blood; D012173:Retinitis / Q000188:drug therapy; D014883:Water-Electrolyte Imbalance / Q000139:chemically induced*
D010758:Phosphorus; D017245:Foscarnet