Development of donepezil-induced hypokalemia following treatment of cognitive impairment
- Author:
Dongryul KIM
1
;
Hye Eun YOON
;
Hoon Suk PARK
;
Seok Joon SHIN
;
Bum Soon CHOI
;
Byung Soo KIM
;
Tae Hyun BAN
Author Information
- Publication Type:Case report
- From:Yeungnam University Journal of Medicine 2021;38(1):65-69
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor used extensively to treat Alzheimer disease. The increased cholinergic activity is associated with adverse effects, therefore gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, are common. Hypokalemia is a rare adverse event that occurs in less than 1% of donepezil-treated patients. Although hypokalemia of mild and moderate grade does not present serious signs and symptoms, severe hypokalemia often results in prolonged hospitalization and mortality. Herein, we report a case of hypokalemia developed after the initiation of donepezil therapy for cognitive impairment.
