Electrolyte disorders induced by drugs and toxic substances

Abstract

Diseases can generate an electrolyte imbalance as part of their patho-physiology, as well as chronic use of some medications, and toxic substances available in our environment. Despite all the separate statistical data, the overall incidence of fluid and electrolyte disorders secondary to drugs or toxic substances remains unknown, and possibly underreported; therefore, the objective of this review is to analyze electrolyte disorders caused by some medications and toxic substances, and describe the mechanism through which changes in sodium, po-tassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus occur, in particular, in order to alert health professionals when facing this type of conditions in their clinical practice. Knowledge of drug and toxic-related adverse effects is important to effectively pre-vent, identify, and manage complications that can be potentially life-threatening. This review intends to be a reference for supporting health professionals in these situations.