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Published on: April 8, 2013
Hyponatraemia associated with trimethoprim use
Kareeann Sok Fun Khow, Tuck Yean Yong1
1Department of General Medicine, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders Drive, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042, Australia. tyyong@hotmail.com.
Abstract:
Trimethoprim (TMP) is a commonly prescribed antibiotic with few adverse effects. However on rare occasions, TMP is associated with electrolyte disturbances. As seen in our three patients, TMP can be associated with symptomatic hyponatraemia which required hospitalization. In one of these patients, hyperkalaemia and type 4 renal tubular acidosis were also present. These electrolyte and acid-base disorders were corrected after discontinuation of TMP. A small number of patients with TMP-induced electrolyte imbalances have been reported in the English-language medical literature to date but mostly with the use of TMP in combination with sulfamethoxazole. In association with TMP use, hyperkalaemia has been more commonly reported than hyponatraemia. These changes in sodium and potassium balance are thought to be related to TMP inhibiting sodium ion influx via the epithelial sodium channel in the cortical collecting duct. The association between symptomatic hyponatraemia and TMP emphasizes the need to evaluate electrolytes in patients presenting with clinical change after commencing on this drug.
Insights
Trimethoprim (TMP) antibiotic use can rarely cause serious electrolyte imbalances like hyponatraemia and hyperkalaemia. Discontinuation of TMP corrected these adverse effects in patients, highlighting the need for monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Trimethoprim (TMP) is a widely used antibiotic.
- While generally safe, TMP can rarely cause electrolyte disturbances.
Observation:
- Three patients presented with symptomatic hyponatraemia requiring hospitalization during TMP treatment.
- One patient also experienced hyperkalaemia and type 4 renal tubular acidosis.
Findings:
- TMP-induced electrolyte and acid-base disorders resolved after drug discontinuation.
- TMP may inhibit sodium influx via the epithelial sodium channel in the cortical collecting duct, affecting sodium and potassium balance.
Implications:
- This study highlights a rare but significant adverse effect of TMP.
- Clinicians should consider evaluating electrolytes in patients experiencing clinical changes after starting TMP.
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