Beta-lactam-associated hypokalemia

Abstract

The aim of this narrative review was to discuss the literature on β-lactam antibiotic-associated hypokalemia, a potentially life-threatening electrolyte disorder. The PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases were searched for articles published between 1965 and 2023, using the following terms: ‘hypokalemia’ OR ‘potassium loss’ OR ‘potassium deficiency’ AND ‘beta-lactams’ OR ‘penicillin’ OR ‘penicillin G’ OR ‘cephalosporins’ OR ‘ceftazidime’ OR ‘ceftriaxone’ OR ‘flucloxacillin’ OR ‘carbapenems’ OR ‘meropenem’ OR ‘imipenem’ OR ‘cefiderocol’ OR ‘azlocillin’ OR ‘ticarcillin’. Additional search terms were ‘hypokalemia’ AND ‘epidemiology’ AND ‘ICU’ OR ‘intensive care unit’ OR ‘ER’ OR ‘emergency department’ OR ‘ambulatory’ OR ‘old’ OR ‘ageing population’, and experimental (animal-based) studies were excluded. A total of eight studies were selected and discussed, in addition to nine case reports and case series. Both older and currently used β-lactam antibiotics (e.g., ticarcillin and flucloxacillin, respectively) have been associated with therapy-related hypokalemia. The incidence of β-lactam antibiotic-associated hypokalemia may be as high as 40%, thus, the issue of β-lactam-associated hypokalemia remains clinically relevant. Although other causes of hypokalemia are likely to be diagnosed more frequently (e.g., due to diuretic therapy or diarrhea), the possibility of β-lactam-induced renal potassium loss should always be considered in individuals with so-called ‘unexplained hypokalemia’.