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Low‐dose oral propranolol for treatment of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis with hypokalaemia in the emergency department: A case report
Author(s) -
Wassner Chanie,
Cheng Susan H.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.622
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1365-2710
pISSN - 0269-4727
DOI - 10.1111/jcpt.13108
Subject(s) - medicine , propranolol , emergency department , hypokalemia , thyrotoxic periodic paralysis , anesthesia , periodic paralysis , oral administration , potassium , paralysis , propranolol hydrochloride , pediatrics , surgery , psychiatry , chemistry , organic chemistry
What is known and objective Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) with hypokalaemia is a rare acute phenomenon. Reports of the use of high‐dose non‐selective β‐blockers describe symptom resolution, but often administration does not occur promptly enough in the treatment course and patients may experience overcorrection and hyperkalaemia. Case description A 37‐year‐old Hispanic male developed TPP. Patient was successfully treated with low‐dose oral propranolol and potassium supplementation with no overcorrection. What is new and conclusion Delay in the administration of non‐selective β‐blockers may lead to overcorrection of potassium with exogenous supplementation. Low‐dose propranolol administered in the Emergency Department was successful in preventing overcorrection of potassium.