Thalidomide Life Threatening Hypokalemia

Authors: Waleed MS*, Subhan S and Sadiq W

DOI: 10.23880/mjccs-16000265

Volume 4, Issue 4

Abstract

Normal serum potassium levels range from 3.5 to 5 mEq/L; however, certain illnesses, and dietary deficiencies and medication can lead to potassium imbalances in the body. Thalidomide was teratrogenic but it has reemerged in the market. Thalidomide has anti-angiogenic and immunomodulatory properties. Low-dose thalidomide significantly reduced the cough and also improved the patients’ quality of life but it can cause hypokalemia .We present to you a case of interstitial lung disease taking thalidomide in low dose for her intractable cough suffering from severe hypokalemia.

Keywords: Thalidomide; Hypokalemia; Potassium; Immunomodulatory; Neuropathy

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