Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2025

Implementing Patch Clamp and Live Fluorescence Microscopy to Monitor Functional Properties of Freshly Isolated PKD Epithelium
Published on: September 1, 2015
[Flucloxacillin-induced hypokalemia]
Donja G Lansink1,2, Donika Zogaj3, Erwin Veldhuis4
1Ziekenhuisgroep Twente, Almelo.
Abstract:
Flucloxacillin-induced hypokalaemia can be progressive and life-threatening, despite of potassium supplementation. In this case description, a high dose of intravenous flucloxacillin was started after a 68-year-old patient presented with an infected knee replacement. After two days, hypokalaemia was noted with an inadequate response to potassium supplementation. It was decided to change antibiotics and increase potassium supplementation, with good results. It is advisable to include monitoring of potassium levels in local treatment protocols when flucloxacillin is prescribed.
Insights
Flucloxacillin can cause dangerous low potassium levels (hypokalemia) that may not improve with standard treatment. Monitoring potassium is crucial when using this antibiotic, especially at high doses.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Internal Medicine
- Clinical Case Study
Background:
- Flucloxacillin is an antibiotic commonly used for bacterial infections.
- Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, can be a serious adverse effect of certain medications.
- Infections, such as infected knee replacements, may require aggressive antibiotic treatment.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Antihypertensive Drugs: Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class I Agents as Sodium Channel Blockers
Class 1A Antiarrhythmic Drugs: These drugs work by moderately blocking sodium channels,...
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class III Agents as Potassium Channel Blockers
Renal Failure: Dose Adjustments
Reduced renal clearance and elimination rate are common outcomes of renal impairment. These alterations lead to a prolonged elimination half-life and an altered apparent volume of distribution for drugs. As a result, dosage adjustments are typically necessary to maintain optimal drug levels in the body.
However, dosage adjustments...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics

