Nifedipine-induced Hyperglycaemia in an Infant: A Case Report

Abstract

Summary: This case report describes reversible hyperglycaemia in a severely ill six-month old Saudi boy treated with nifedipine for hypertension. Hyperglycaemia became manifest on the second day of treatment with nifedipine and was not dose-related. Following discontinuation of the drug, the patient rapidly became euglycaemic. It is concluded that the hyperglycaemia was induced by nifedipine. This side effect of nifedipine has been reported in adults but the present case would appear to be the first of a similar report in a child. We suggest that dehydration due to hyperglycaemia-induced osmotic diuresis can constitute a risk to small infants on nifedipine, hence it should be used with caution on outpatient basis.