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A Case of Hypokalemia Possibly Induced by Nafcillin

Fernando Casado1, Sitarama Arvind Mudunuru2, Rabih Nasr3

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, BronxCare Hospital Center, New York, NY 10457, USA. fecc1901@gmail.com.

Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 15, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Nafcillin, an antibiotic for Staphylococcus aureus infections, can cause hypokalemia (low potassium). This case highlights a persistent but treatable side effect, emphasizing the need for clinical awareness and monitoring during treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Intravenous antibiotics are crucial for severe infections.
  • Nafcillin is a standard treatment for methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infections.
  • Nafcillin use can be associated with adverse effects.

Observation:

  • A patient developed persistent hypokalemia during nafcillin infusion for an MSSA infection.
  • The hypokalemia resolved after the nafcillin treatment was completed.
  • This case illustrates a known, albeit uncommon, side effect of nafcillin.

Findings:

  • Hypokalemia associated with nafcillin is attributed to its properties as a non-absorbable ion or intracellular redistribution.
  • While typically mild, severe hypokalemia cases are rarely reported.
  • Nafcillin-induced hypokalemia often resolves upon discontinuation of the antibiotic.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should monitor potassium levels in patients receiving nafcillin.
  • Severe or persistent hypokalemia may require oral potassium supplementation during nafcillin therapy.
  • Awareness of this potential complication is vital for safe nafcillin administration.
Keywords:
Staphylococcus aureushypokalemianafcillinside effect

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