Drugs and Toxins Associated with Hypokalemia

 

Medications:

(1) beta-adrenergic agonists and bronchodilators (salbutamol, terbutaline, theophylline, etc)

(2) diuretics

(3) insulin

(4) corticosteroids

(5) mineralocorticoids

(6) anabolic steroids

(7) toxolytic agents

(8) penicillins

(9) aminoglycosides

(10) amphotericin B

(11) cisplatin

(12) foscarnet

(13) laxatives (bisacodyl, phenolphthalein)

(14) verapamil

(15) chloroquine

(16) aspirin (overdose)

(17) p-aminosalicylate

(18) cholestyramine

(19) ifosfamide

(20) cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12)

 

Poisonings:

(1) barium salt

(2) strychnine

(3) chronic toluene exposure

 

Other:

(1) licorice (see above)

(2) EDTA

 

Risk factors for hypokalemia:

(1) overdose or intoxication with 1 drug or chemical

(2) combination of 2 or more drugs or chemicals

(3) combination of drug or chemical plus other condition associated with hypokalemia