[Liquorice-induced hypertension and hypokalaemia].

Abstract

Consumption of large amounts of liquorice can cause hypertension and hypokalaemia. Liquorice contains glycyrrhetinic acid, which inhibits the enzyme 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, and ultimately leads to an apparent mineralocorticoid excess syndrome. This case report describes a 50 year-old woman presenting with hypertension and hypokalaemia-induced limb paresis due to chronic liquorice ingestion. The patient was treated with potassium supplementation and spironolactone. Her blood pressure and electrolyte status normalised within a month after cessation of liquorice intake.

• Authors: Mette Lundgren Nielsen, Manan Pareek, Inger Andersen
• Journal: Ugeskrift for laeger (Ugeskr Laeger) Vol. 174 Issue 15 Pg. 1024-5 (Apr 09 2012) ISSN: 1603-6824 [Electronic] Denmark
• Vernacular Title: Lakridsinduceret hypertension og hypokaliæmi.
• PMID: 22487411 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Glycyrrhetinic Acid

Topics

• Candy (adverse effects)
• Female
• Glycyrrhetinic Acid (blood)
• Glycyrrhiza (adverse effects)
• Humans
• Hypertension (chemically induced, diagnosis)
• Hypokalemia (chemically induced, diagnosis)
• Middle Aged