Self-poisoning with potassium salts is uncommon but the consequences are often fatal. Previous reports1,2 describe deaths after ingestion of between 40 and 50 tablets of slow-release potassium but we report a patient who survived after taking approximately 100 tablets.
WetliC V. Davis J H. Fatal hyperkalaemia from accidental overdose of potassium chloride JAMA1978; 240: 1339.
2.
IllingworthR N. Proudfoot A T. Rapid poisoning with slow-release potassium. Br Med J.1980; 281: 485–486.
3.
PrescottLFIllingworthRNCritchleyJAJHStewartMJAdamRDProudfootAT. Intravenous N-acetylcysteine: The treatment of choice for paracetamol poisoning. Br Med J1979; 279; 1097–1100.
