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Disopyramide-induced hypoglycaemia and increased serum insulin
M S Croxson1, D W Shaw, P G Henley
1Department of Endocrinology, Auckland Hospital.
The New Zealand Medical Journal
|July 8, 1987
Summary
Disopyramide can cause dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) by increasing insulin release. This effect, seen in a patient and case reports, may be linked to pneumonia mortality.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Endocrinology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Disopyramide is an antiarrhythmic medication.
- Hypoglycaemia is a critical condition characterized by low blood glucose levels.
- Antimalarial drugs like quinine and quinidine are known to stimulate insulin release.
Observation:
- A patient receiving disopyramide experienced severe hypoglycaemia.
- The patient also exhibited elevated serum insulin levels.
- The patient ultimately succumbed to pneumonia.
Findings:
- Disopyramide administration is associated with hypoglycaemia.
- The mechanism proposed is the stimulation of insulin release.
- This effect mirrors that of quinine and quinidine.
Implications:
- Clinicians should monitor blood glucose levels in patients treated with disopyramide.
- Understanding this adverse effect is crucial for patient safety.
- Further research may elucidate the link between disopyramide-induced hypoglycaemia and patient outcomes.