Pain-free today, weak tomorrow: a case of electrolyte disorder due to diclofenac misuse

• Published in: BMC nephrology Vol. 25; no. 1; pp. 317 - 3
• Main Authors: De Marco, Oriana, Buonanno, Pasquale, Riccio, Eleonora, Pisani, Antonio, Capuano, Ivana
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BioMed Central Ltd 27.09.2024; BioMed Central; BMC
• Subjects: Acidosis; Acids; Adenosine; Anti-inflammatory agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal - adverse effects; Back Pain - drug therapy; Case studies; Causes of; Complications and side effects; Diclofenac; Diclofenac - adverse effects; Drug dosages; Electrolyte disorder; Electrolytes; Humans; Hypertension; Hypokalemia; Kidneys; Magnesium; Male; Metabolism; Middle Aged; Muscle weakness; Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; NSAIDs; Oxidative stress; Pain; Plasma; Potassium; Side effects; Sodium; Water-Electrolyte Imbalance - chemically induced; Water-electrolyte imbalances; Italy; Electrolyte disorder; NSAIDs; Diclofenac
• ISSN: 1471-2369; 1471-2369
• DOI: 10.1186/s12882-024-03759-9

The nephrotoxic effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely acknowledged. In particular, diclofenac is the most commonly prescribed NSAIDs, but no previous findings of electrolyte disturbances were reported following its administration. We presented the case of a man who experienced significant weakness associated with severe deficiencies in potassium, calcium, and magnesium after misusing diclofenac because of severe back pain. This case emphasizes the need of awareness about the electrolyte imbalances and electrolyte disturbances associated with the misuse of diclofenac, which is a widely available drug. This is a case report which does not need a Clinical Trial Number.