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Tetany in kala azar patients treated with paromomycin

C P Thakur1

  • 1Balaji Utthan Sansthan, Patna, India. cpthakur1@rediffmail.com

The Indian Journal of Medical Research
|July 26, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Paromomycin treatment for kala-azar can cause tetany, a rare side effect. Prompt calcium gluconate treatment effectively manages this condition, allowing for continued paromomycin therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Tropical Medicine
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Paromomycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is used to treat visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar).
  • Aminoglycosides are known for potential nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.
  • Tetany has not been previously reported as a side effect of paromomycin.

Observation:

  • Three patients treated for kala-azar with paromomycin developed tetany.
  • Tetany symptoms were promptly resolved with intravenous calcium gluconate.
  • Paromomycin treatment was continued with oral calcium supplementation.

Findings:

  • Paromomycin may induce temporary tubular damage, leading to urinary calcium loss and hypocalcemia.
  • Hypocalcemia is the likely cause of tetany observed in these patients.
  • Successful treatment of tetany with calcium gluconate allowed for completion of paromomycin therapy.

Implications:

  • This finding expands the known side effect profile of paromomycin.
  • Early detection and management of tetany with calcium are crucial for patients receiving paromomycin.
  • Further research into paromomycin-induced hypocalcemia and renal tubular effects is warranted.

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