Life-threatening hypokalaemia associated with ibuprofen-induced renal tubular acidosis

Page, Colin B; Wilson, Paul A; Foy, Aidan; Downes, Michael A; Whyte, Ian M; Isbister, Geoffrey K

doi:10.5694/j.1326-5377.2011.tb03123.x

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To the Editor: We read with interest the article by Ng and colleagues on life-threatening hypokalaemia associated with ibuprofen-induced renal tubular acidosis,1 and wish to present our own experience of four patients presenting to our hospital over a year (Box).

Calvary Mater Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW.

Correspondence: cpage@bigpond.net.au

1. Ng JL, Morgan DJR, Loh NKM, et al. Life-threatening hypokalaemia associated with ibuprofen-induced renal tubular acidosis. Med J Aust 2011; 194: 313-316. <MJA full text>
2. Ter A, Salha R, Vadamalai V, et al. Ibuprofen codeine combination precipitating severe hypokalaemia in a patient with pre-existing type 1 renal tubular acidosis. NDT Plus 2008; 1: 270-271.
3. Levine M, Khurana A, Ruha AM. Polyuria, acidosis, and coma following massive ibuprofen ingestion. J Med Toxicol 2010; 6: 315-317.
4. Frei MY, Nielsen S, Dobbin MDH, Tobin CL. Serious morbidity associated with misuse of over-the-counter codeine–ibuprofen analgesics: a series of 27 cases. Med J Aust 2010; 193: 294-296. <MJA full text>

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