title: Life-threatening hypokalaemia associated with ibuprofen-induced renal tubular acidosis.
abstract: Renal tubular acidosis is an underreported complication of ibuprofen misuse, and can result in life-threatening hypokalaemia. We describe four patients who presented with profound hypokalaemia and muscle weakness associated with excessive ibuprofen ingestion. Ibuprofen cessation and supportive management resulted in complete biochemical resolution within a few days. These cases remind practitioners about potential complications of unmonitored use of over-the-counter analgesics, including those with potential for misuse due to their codeine content.
authors.affiliation: Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia. jennifer.ng@health.wa.gov.au
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Ng
authors.forename: David J R
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.forename: Nelson K M
authors.initials: NK
authors.lastname: Loh
authors.forename: Seng K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Gan
authors.forename: Patrick L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Coleman
authors.forename: Gregory S Y
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Ong
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Prentice
mesh_terms: D000141:Acidosis, Renal Tubular / Q000139:chemically induced*; D000328:Adult; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016638:Critical Illness / Q000628:therapy; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D007052:Ibuprofen / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000139:chemically induced; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012494:Sampling Studies
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D007052:Ibuprofen