title: Cola-induced hypokalemia-a case report and review of the literature.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We aim to describe an unusual and underappreciated cause for hypokalemia.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe a patient diagnosed with cola-induced hypokalemia and review the literature.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ingestion of massive amounts of cola can lead to severe hypokalemia through several pathophysiologic mechanisms. These perturbations include osmotic diarrhea, osmotic diuresis, and hyperinsulinemia secondary to hyperglycemia with resultant intracellular to cellular shifts in potassium. These effects are magnified by concomitant high levels of caffeine.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ingestion of large quantities of cola should be added to differential diagnosis for severe hypokalemia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrinology, SUNY-Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA.
authors.forename: Rajeev
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: Helena A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Guber
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002110:Caffeine / Q000009:adverse effects; D002253:Carbonated Beverages / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D002110:Caffeine