Article Text
Abstract
Trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (TMP–SMX) is a commonly prescribed antimicrobial agent for a wide variety of infections. It is generally well tolerated in a majority of patients; however, serious adverse effects have been described with its usage. Hypoglycaemia is an exceedingly rare but potentially life-threatening side effect of this antimicrobial agent due to its sulfonylurea-like effect. We describe a case of symptomatic, refractory hypoglycaemia secondary to TMP–SMX in a patient being treated for Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bacteraemia, which required treatment with 10 hours of intravenous dextrose (including several 50% dextrose boluses), as well as intramuscular glucagon and octreotide. We reviewed previous case reports described in the literature of TMP–SMX-induced hypoglycaemia, in which renal insufficiency was noted to be a common predisposing risk factor in an overwhelming majority of cases. In refractory cases of TMP–SMX-induced hypoglycaemia, intravenous octeotride may be considered for treatment.
- drugs: endocrine system
- general practice / family medicine
- unwanted effects / adverse reactions
- infections
- endocrinology
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Footnotes
Contributors JKM and DN wrote the original draft of the manuscript. SR and SC contributed to the writing-review and editing.
Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Competing interests None declared.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.