title: Metabolic effects of metaproterenol overdose: hypokalemia, hyperglycemia and hyperlactatemia.
abstract: This case report of metaproterenol toxicity was associated with hypokalemia, hyperglycemia and hyperlactatemia. A similar triad has been reported in acute theophylline poisoning. Hypokalemia and hyperglycemia have been reported with other beta-agonists, but not metaproterenol. Patients presenting with the metabolic triad of hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, and hyperlactatemia should have theophylline and beta-agonist toxicity included in their differential diagnosis because the prognosis and therapy of these 2 intoxications is markedly different.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, New England Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Barnewolt
authors.forename: F G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Walter
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Bey
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000506:poisoning*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000506:poisoning*; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood; D009921:Metaproterenol / Q000506:poisoning*
chemical_list: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D019344:Lactic Acid; D009921:Metaproterenol