Meropenem-Induced Resistant Hypokalemia

Abstract

Abstract Meropenem is a β-lactam antibiotic from the carbapenem class that has been one of the most effective drugs in treating some of the most serious infections in hospitalized patients. Because of its unique β-lactam structure, it has a wide spectrum of activity against some of the most resistant bugs especially penicillinase-producing gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, and anaerobes. Common adverse effects that have been well documented with meropenem include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in rare cases skin rashes from hypersensitivity reactions. Hypokalemia is not a known adverse effect of meropenem use. In this case report, we discuss a patient who developed resistant hypokalemia while getting treatment with meropenem for a severe right upper arm infectious myositis. This effect of meropenem was noted to be secondary to impaired potassium absorption in renal tubules, which was found be reversible after discontinuation of the drug.