Electrolytes & Blood Pressure  2007;5(2):111-115

doi:10.5049/EBP.2007.5.2.111

Antimicrobial-induced Electrolyte and Acid-Base Disturbances.

Yang Wook KIM 1

Affiliations

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Keywords

Antimicrobials; Fluid-electrolyte imbalance; Tubular dysfunction

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

Antimicrobials are one of the most widely prescribed classes of therapeutic agents. Although adverse effects of antimicrobials are generally minimal and reversible, serious sequelae can sometimes remain, such as unusual forms of renal failure, acid base disturbance and electrolyte abnormalities. Many antimicrobials, especially vancomycin or aminoglycosides, are associated with development of acute renal failure caused by acute tubular necrosis, allergic acute interstitial nephritis, or vasculitis. Besides, some antimicrobial agents can cause serious fluid and electrolyte imbalance. To prevent these serious consequences, early recognition and correction of their harmful renal and electrolyte effects are required.