Profound hypokalaemia due to Nurofen Plus and Red Bull misuse.
We report an unusual and emerging cause of profound hypokalaemia associated with a severe myopathy, attributable to misuse of Nurofen Plus, a readily available over-the-counter medication containing ibuprofen and codeine, and excessive ingestion of the caffeine-containing energy drink, Red Bull. The mechanism of the hypokalaemia may be ascribed to ibuprofen-mediated type 2 renal tubular acidosis, and caffeine-mediated antagonism of adenosine receptors or intercompartmental shift of potassium into the intracellular space. Practitioners should be aware that patients with codeine addiction who misuse Nurofen Plus may present with severe hypokalaemia complicated by myopathy.
Ernest
David
D
Box Hill Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. david.ernest@easternhealth.org.au
Chia
Michelle
M
Corallo
Carmela E
CE
D000328:Adult; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000506:poisoning*; D001628:Beverages / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002110:Caffeine; D003061:Codeine / Q000506:poisoning*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007052:Ibuprofen / Q000506:poisoning*; D008297:Male; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000506:poisoning; D012206:Rhabdomyolysis / Q000139:chemically induced; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D002110:Caffeine; D003061:Codeine; D007052:Ibuprofen