What antipsychotic has been associated with fatal cases of diabetic ketoacidosis at therapeutic doses?
Olanzapine. Avella et al. reported three fatal cases of diabetic ketoacidosis in patients with therapeutic olanzapine levels, despite no prior history of diabetes.
Avella, Joseph, Wetli, Charles V, Wilson, James C, Katz, Michael, & Hahn, Timothy. (2004). Fatal olanzapine-induced hyperglycemic ketoacidosis. The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, 25(2), 172-175.
Submitted by: Emily Kershner, MD on behalf of The Medical Toxicology Fellowship, Virginia Commonwealth University
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