title: Hypokalemia in an asthmatic child from abuse of albuterol metered dose inhaler.
abstract: A case of albuterol abuse by a pediatric patient with the development of hypokalemia with electrocardiographic changes is presented. The hypokalemic effects of beta2-agonists are discussed in regard to the production of significant cardiac symptoms. Additionally, guidance regarding the evaluation of similar patients presenting in the emergency department is provided.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA.
authors.forename: N Y
authors.initials: NY
authors.lastname: Rakhmanina
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Kearns
authors.forename: H C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Farrar
mesh_terms: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000420:Albuterol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008297:Male; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*
chemical_list: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D000420:Albuterol; D011188:Potassium