Heparin-induced hyperkalemia confirmed by drug rechallenge

Subcutaneous heparin is commonly used as a prophylaxis against deep venous thrombosis in a wide variety of hospitalized patients. As with most medicat ions, heparin has a significant side effect profile; heparin-induced hyperk alemia is an unusual but well described side effect. To increase awareness of heparin-induced hyperkalemia and of those patients; at greatest risk, we present two cases of documented hyperkalemia induced by I heparin and reco nfirmed by drug rechallenge.