Case Report: Diabetic ketoacidosis after co-administration of empagliflozin and probenecid

Abstract

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are filtered and secreted to their primary site of action in the proximal tubule of the kidney. At this site, SGLT2 inhibitors also reduce renal elimination of ketone bodies, a finding implicated in their propensity to cause ketoacidosis. Many commonly used medications have potential to diminish renal elimination of SGLT2 inhibitors and to compound the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on renal elimination of ketone bodies by inhibiting tubular secretion of the SGLT2 inhibitor itself and/or ketone bodies. We present a case of severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in a patient with type 2 diabetes occurring several days after co-prescription of empagliflozin and probenecid. Other than the recent introduction of empagliflozin, no cause for the DKA episode was apparent. A pharmacokinetic interaction between probenecid and empagliflozin, involving organic anion transporter 3 (OAT3), reduces proximal tubular secretion of empagliflozin and increases patient exposure to the drug. Whether or not this phenomenon is sufficient to cause severe DKA is discussed. An alternative explanation as to the DKA aetiology is proposed, wherein probenecid may compound effects of empagliflozin on renal elimination of ketone bodies. We suggest that clinicians exercise caution when prescribing SGLT2 inhibitors alongside pharmacologic inhibitors of, or competitors for, proximal tubular organic anion transporters in patients with diabetes mellitus due to the risk of severe DKA.