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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
08:11
Voltage-Dependent Potassium Current Recording on H9c2 Cardiomyocytes via the Whole-Cell Patch-Clamp Technique
Published on: November 11, 2022
[Hyperkalemia induced by atenolol].
H Kassem1, C Hajjar, T El Gharbi
1Service de médecine interne, centre hospitalier de Dourdan, 2, rue du Potelet, 91410 Dourdan cedex, France.
La Revue De Medecine Interne
|November 21, 2008
Summary
Atenolol, a common beta-blocker, can cause dangerous hyperkalemia (high potassium) by affecting potassium transfer. Discontinuation of atenolol resolves this condition, highlighting a critical drug-induced side effect.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Beta-blockers like atenolol are frequently prescribed for cardiovascular conditions.
- Hyperkalemia is a serious electrolyte imbalance that can lead to cardiac arrhythmias.
- Identifying drug-induced causes of hyperkalemia is crucial for patient safety.
Observation:
- A 53-year-old woman presented with hyperkalemia.
- The patient was undergoing treatment with atenolol.
- Other potential causes of hyperkalemia were systematically excluded.
Findings:
- Atenolol was identified as the cause of hyperkalemia.
- Serum potassium levels normalized after discontinuing atenolol.
- Reintroduction of atenolol led to recurrent hyperkalemia, confirming the causal link.
Implications:
- This case highlights atenolol as a potential cause of drug-induced hyperkalemia.
- The suspected mechanism involves impaired intracellular potassium transfer.
- Clinicians should consider atenolol when evaluating patients with unexplained hyperkalemia.
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