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Intravenous flucloxacillin is one of the most frequently used high-dose penicillin therapies in hospitalized patients, forming the cornerstone treatment of invasive Staphylococcus aureus infection. Being a nonreabsorbable anion, flucloxacillin has been suggested to cause hypokalaemia, although the frequency and magnitude of this unwanted effect is unknown. In a retrospective cohort, we investigated the incidence and extent of hypokalaemia after initiation of intravenous flucloxacillin or ceftriaxone therapy. In total, 77 patients receiving flucloxacillin (62% male, mean age 70.5 years) and 84 patients receiving ceftriaxone (46% male, mean age 70.8 years) were included. Hypokalaemia occurred significantly more often in patients receiving flucloxacillin than ceftriaxone (42% vs 14%, p < 10 -4 ). Moreover, follow-up potassium levels were significantly lower during flucloxacillin therapy. In general, women were more prone to develop hypokalaemia than men. In conclusion, intravenous flucloxacillin use is associated with a striking incidence of hypokalaemia. Therefore, standardized potassium measurements are necessary., (© 2019 The Authors. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Pharmacological Society.)

Patients with osteoporosis often have chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD is associated with bone and mineral disturbances, renal osteodystrophy, which like osteoporosis leads to a higher risk of fractures. Bisphosphonates are first-line therapy for osteoporosis; however, these are contra-indicated in patients with a GFR <30 ml/min. In this article, we have reviewed the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in moderate to severe renal failure from data of clinical trials. Results have shown that osteoporosis patients and severe CKD with no signs of renal osteodystrophy, oral bisphosphonates (risedronate) seem to be a safe choice. Renal function and PTH should subsequently be monitored strictly. Denosumab, with regularly monitoring of calcium and adequate vitamin D levels or raloxifene are a possible second choice. In any case, one should be certain that there is no adynamic bone before treatment can be started. If there is any doubt, bone biopsies should be taken.