Hyperkalemia induced by the calcium channel blocker, benidipine

A 73-year-old hypertensive, non-diabetic woman without obvious renal dysfunction had frequently been hyperkalemic over four years after receiving antihypertensive drugs including the calcium channel blocker (CCB) benidipine. One week after all medications were accidentally discontinued, the serum potassium level returned to normal. After we obtained the informed consent of the patient, benidipine alone was administered again for over two weeks and hyperkalemia developed once more. This previously uncommon side effect of hyperkalemia induced by benidipine is not very serious but it is apt to be overlooked. Since CCBs are now widely prescribed, the development of hyperkalemia should be considered.