Hypokalaemia in ibuprofen and codeine phosphate abuse

Authors: B.T. Dyer¹; J.L. Martin¹; J.L. Mitchell¹; N.C. Sauven¹; B. Gazzard¹

Source: International Journal of Clinical Practice, Volume 58, Number 11, November 2004 , pp. 1061-1062(2)

Abstract:

Summary

Ibuprofen abuse may be more prevalent than generally considered. Although normally benign, serious complications have been documented. We report an unusual presentation of hypokalaemia and its associated symptoms as a result of Nurofen Plus^® (200 mg ibuprofen + 12.8 mg codeine phosphate) abuse. Ibuprofen is generally not included in a standard toxicology screen, but should be considered as a rare cause of hypokalaemia.

Keywords: Ibuprofen abuse; hypokalaemia

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1111/j.1368-5031.2004.00304.x

Affiliations: 1: Imperial College, London, UK

Links for this article

http://www.ingentaconnect.com/bsc/ijcp/2004/00000058/00000011/art00018
http://openurl.ingenta.com/content?genre=article&issn=1368-5031&volume=58&issue=11&spage=1061&epage=1062
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1368-5031.2004.00304.x