Journal of toxicology. Clinical toxicology
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J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. · Jan 1999
Case ReportsLaboratory confirmation of scopolamine co-intoxication in patients using tainted heroin.
First described in 1995, at least 325 patients with a history of heroin use have since required emergency medical evaluation in several eastern US cities, because of an anticholinergic toxidrome following use of heroin. This co-intoxication has been alleged to result from an atropine-like compound. We report the clinical findings and laboratory analysis of one of several individuals who presented to our Emergency Department during this epidemic. ⋯ Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed scopolamine to be the cause of anticholinergic findings in a patient following use of tainted heroin. It is unclear whether scopolamine is an adulterant or contaminant in this heroin. Patients with anticholinergic findings following use of heroin may be co-intoxicated with scopolamine.
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J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. · Jan 1999
Case ReportsDiverse manifestations of oral methylene chloride poisoning: report of 6 cases.
Methylene chloride is a solvent used in domestic and industrial preparations, such as paint removers and degreasing agents. Although it is considered of low toxicity, acute toxic manifestations have been reported following inhalation of methylene chloride, mainly from working in an enclosed environment. Oral ingestion of methylene chloride, however, remains rare and its consequences are less clearly understood. ⋯ Ingestion of methylene chloride can result in diverse manifestations, including a high carboxyhemoglobin level. Corrosive gastrointestinal injury is common in oral poisoning and needs further therapeutic consideration. A high index of suspicion and appropriate laboratory studies are needed in those patients who allegedly ingest "chloroform" but do not present the incriminating solvent to their treating physicians. The presence of an elevated carboxyhemoglobin level suggests the diagnosis of methylene chloride poisoning. Symptomatic and supportive measures remain the mainstay in the treatment of patients with oral methylene chloride poisoning.
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J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. · Jan 1999
Case ReportsHydroxychloroquine overdose: toxicokinetics and management.
The management and toxicokinetics of hydroxychloroquine overdose are poorly described. ⋯ The clinical manifestations of this hydroxychloroquine overdose were similar to those reported for chloroquine overdose and the management principles recommended for chloroquine overdose appeared to be efficacious in this case.
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J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. · Jan 1999
Clinical TrialEfficacy of serotherapy in scorpion sting: a matched-pair study.
Although evidence of scorpion antivenin effectiveness in the clinical setting is lacking, scorpion antivenin is generally considered the only specific treatment for scorpion sting irrespective of its clinical severity. We conducted a matched-pair study to assess the efficacy of systematic administration of scorpion antivenin. ⋯ Systematic administration of scorpion antivenin irrespective of clinical severity did not alter the clinical course of scorpion sting. A prospective study is needed concerning the response of the more severe scorpion envenomations.
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J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. · Jan 1999
Case ReportsOverdose of Rogaine Extra Strength for Men topical minoxidil preparation.
Minoxidil is a potent arterial vasodilator used in the treatment of hypertension. A side effect, hypertrichosis, has prompted the marketing of a topical preparation, Rogaine, for the treatment of male-pattern baldness. ⋯ Toxicity manifested as profound hypotension, requiring vasopressor support, intubation, prolonged tachycardia, and fluid overload with pleural effusions, requiring several days of therapy with furosemide. This is the largest reported ingestion of minoxidil and the first reported overdose of the extra strength 5% solution.