Ibuprofen Overuse Leading to Life-threatening Hypokalemia Associated with Renal Tubular Acidosis in Two Patients

Abstract

Ibuprofen is a commonly used medication in the United States and is used both by prescription and over the counter, while hypokalemia is a life-threatening condition caused by various etiologies, one of which is the side effect of medications. Ibuprofen is well-known for its various nephrotoxic side effects, including hyperkalemia as a common electrolyte abnormality, however, renal tubular acidosis leading to hypokalemia with the use of ibuprofen has been reported rarely. We present here two cases of life-threatening hypokalemia due to over-the-counter use of large doses of ibuprofen and describe its management.