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Life-threatening Hyperkalemia From Cream of Tartar Ingestion

Life-threatening Hyperkalemia From Cream of Tartar Ingestion

Daniel E Rusyniak, Pamela J Durant, James B Mowry, Jo A Johnson, Jayne A Sanftleben, Joanne M Smith

J Med Toxicol. 2013 Mar;9(1):79-81.

PMID: 22926733

Abstract:

Introduction:
Cream of tartar (potassium bitartrate) has a long history as a cooking aid and medicinal purgative. Despite containing large amounts of potassium, there are no well-documented cases of it causing toxicity. We report two cases in which intentional ingestions of cream of tartar resulted in life-threatening hyperkalemia. In addition, we briefly review the use of cream of tartar as a historical purgative.
Case reports:
In both cases, individuals ingested a large quantity of cream of tartar in an effort to "clean themselves out". They manifested similar initial symptoms (vomiting), abnormal serum potassium (>8.0 mmol/L), and EKG's with peaked T waves. Both patients were treated for hyperkalemia and recovered without complication. A search for articles on an academic internet database failed to identify any cases specifically dealing with ill effects of potassium bitartrate and numerous websites continue to purport its beneficial health effects.
Conclusion:
Ingestion of cream of tartar can potentially result in life-threatening hyperkalemia.

Chemicals Related in the Paper:

Catalog Number	Product Name	Structure	CAS Number	Price
AP868144	Potassium bitartrate		868-14-4	Price

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