UMEM Educational Pearls

Title: Toxin-Induced Causes of a Normal Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis

Keywords: anion gap, metabolic acidosis (PubMed Search)

Posted: 12/8/2010 by Bryan Hayes, PharmD (Emailed: 12/9/2010) (Updated: 12/9/2010)
Click here to contact Bryan Hayes, PharmD

Most cases of normal anion gap metabolic acidosis result from either urinary (RTA) or gastrointestinal HCO₃^- losses (diarrhea). A number of xenobiotics can also cause this disorder:

Acetazolamide
Acidifying Agents: Ammonium chloride, arginine hydrochloride, hydrochloric acid, lysine hydrochloride
Cholestyramine
Toluene
Topiramate (Topamax)