Category: Toxicology
Keywords: sedation, dexmedetomidine (PubMed Search)
Posted: 4/26/2012 by Fermin Barrueto, MD
(Updated: 3/26/2023)
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Dexmedetomidine is an alpha2-agonist that has a similiar mechanism of action to clonidine. Short half-life and no respiratory depression make it possibly more effective than propofol in procedural sedation. Cost/Availability are the biggest barriers. Transient bradycardia is also possible but the actual incidence of clinically significant bradycardia is not yet elucidated.
I am still awaiting the first emergency department study looking at dexmedetomidine for procedural sedation.
A recent article actually brought up the possibility of utilizing it intranasally which could have some tantalizing pediatric applications.
Yuen VM, Irwin MG, Hui TW, Yuen MK, Lee LH.
Anesth Analg. 2007 Aug;105(2):374-80.
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: Opioid, breastfeeding, breast milk, newborn, infant (PubMed Search)
Posted: 4/5/2012 by Bryan Hayes, PharmD
(Emailed: 4/12/2012)
(Updated: 4/12/2012)
Click here to contact Bryan Hayes, PharmD
Over the last few decades, the rate of breastfeeding has increased steadily in the developed countries of the world. During this time, opioid use in the general population has steadily increased as well. Despite this, clinicians remain unclear whether opioid use is safe during breastfeeding.
Hendrickson RG, McKeown NJ. Is maternal opiod use hazardous to breast-fed infants? Clin Toxicol. 2012;59(1):1-14.
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Category: Toxicology
Keywords: protamine, enoxaparin, Xa (PubMed Search)
Posted: 4/5/2012 by Ellen Lemkin, MD, PharmD
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Protamine for enoxaparin overdose
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: epinephrine, carbon monoxide, smoke inhalation (PubMed Search)
Posted: 3/29/2012 by Fermin Barrueto, MD
(Updated: 3/26/2023)
Click here to contact Fermin Barrueto, MD
Animal studies can pave the way for new clinical treatment modalities. In the setting of lung injury due to smoke inhalation, one of the problems (if you can get the ET tube in) are the elevated ventilatory pressures due to the massive edema. In this sheep model of smoke inhalation, nebulized epinephrine improved ventilatory pressures, PaO2/FiO2 ratio and pulmonary shunting.
We may have these sheep to thank for this new treatment.
Lange M, Hamahata A, Traber DL, Cox RA, Kulp GA, Nakano Y, Traber LD, Herndon DN, Enkhbaatar P.
Crit Care Med. 2011 Apr;39(4):718-24.
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: ticagrelor, brillinta, xarelto, pradaxa (PubMed Search)
Posted: 3/15/2012 by Fermin Barrueto, MD
(Updated: 3/26/2023)
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Coumadin Wannabe's - have indication non-valvular atrial fibrillation
1) Dabigatran (Pradaxa)
2) Rivaroxaban (Xarelto)
Clopidogrel Wannabe's - both are antiplatelets
1) Ticagrelor (Brilinta)
2) Prasugrel (Effient)
If you were looking for the first case reports of lethal hemorrhage due to pradaxa that could not be reversed - look no further. One patient fall from standing dies from ICH and another death in a spine trauma patient on pradaxa. I am waiting for the first epidural hematoma due to pradaxa, xarelto, etc in ED. Watch out! :
1: Garber ST, Sivakumar W, Schmidt RH. Neurosurgical complications of direct thrombin inhibitors-catastrophic hemorrhage after mild traumatic brain injury in a patient receiving dabigatran. J Neurosurg. 2012 Mar 6. 2: Truumees E, Gaudu T, Dieterichs C, Geck M, Stokes J. Epidural Hematoma & Intra-operative Hemorrhage in a Spine Trauma Patient on Pradaxa® [Dabigatran]. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2012 Feb 16.
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: crotalinae, snake, pressure immobilization, envenomation (PubMed Search)
Posted: 3/4/2012 by Bryan Hayes, PharmD
(Emailed: 3/8/2012)
(Updated: 3/8/2012)
Click here to contact Bryan Hayes, PharmD
Pressure immobilization involves wrapping the entire extremity with a bandage and then immobilizing the extremity with a splint. It is a technique routinely employed in the pre-hospital management of neurotoxic snakes in Australia.
A position statement was recently published by several international toxicology societies regarding the utility of pressure immobilization after North American Crotalinae snake envenomation (e.g., Copperheads, Timber rattlesnakes, Cottonmouths).
"Available evidence fails to establish the efficacy of pressure immobilization in humans, but indicates the possibility of serious adverse events arising from its use. The use of pressure immobilization for the pre-hospital treatment of North American Crotalinae envenomation is NOT recommended."
Pressure immobilization after North American Crotalinae snake envenomation. Clin Toxicol;2011;49(10):881-2.
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Category: Toxicology
Keywords: Octreotide, sulfonylurea, glucose, insulin (PubMed Search)
Posted: 3/1/2012 by Ellen Lemkin, MD, PharmD
Click here to contact Ellen Lemkin, MD, PharmD
Dougherty PP, Klein-Schwartz W. J. Med Toxicol 2010;6:199-206.
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: midazolam, lorazepam (PubMed Search)
Posted: 2/23/2012 by Fermin Barrueto, MD
(Updated: 3/26/2023)
Click here to contact Fermin Barrueto, MD
You have seen the study comparing diazepam to lorazepam IV for the cessation of seizures. Lorazepam one that one. Now, for prehospital status epilepticus midazolam IM went head to head with IV lorazepam to see which would stop seizure more quickly.
This study was more about the practicality of starting an IV than it was of the pharmacokinetics or onset of action of a particular benzodiazepine. It was a large enough study to warrant publication in New Engl J Med last month and is worth noting.
Subjects whose seizures ceased before ED arrival (median):
Time to active treatment: 1.2 min IM Midazolam group; 4.8 min IV Lorazepam group
Median times active treatment to cessation of SZ: 3.3 min IM Midazolam and 1.6 min IV Lorazepam
Safety was equal in both groups. This study validates EMS initiating therapy with IM midazolam for the cessation of seizures while intravenous access is being attempted.
Intramuscular versus intravenous therapy for prehospital status epilepticus.
Silbergleit R, Durkalski V, Lowenstein D, Conwit R, Pancioli A, Palesch Y, Barsan W; NETT Investigators.
N Engl J Med. 2012 Feb 16;366(7):591-600.
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: DRESS, anticonvulsant, eosinophilia, phenytoin, carbamazepine (PubMed Search)
Posted: 2/7/2012 by Bryan Hayes, PharmD
(Emailed: 2/9/2012)
(Updated: 2/19/2012)
Click here to contact Bryan Hayes, PharmD
Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome, previously named “anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome,” is a severe adverse drug reaction which occurs in approximately 1 of every 1,000–10,000 uses of anticonvulsants.
Characterized by triad of fever, rash, and internal organ involvement.
Usually involves aromatic anticonvulsants such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, primidone, lamotrigine, and possibly oxcarbazepine.
DRESS occurs most frequently within the first 2 months of therapy and is not related to dose or serum concentration.
Treatment includes prompt discontinuation of the offending agent. Patients should be admitted to the hospital and receive methylprednisolone 0.5–1 mg/kg/d divided in four doses. Other promising therapies include use of IVIG.
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Category: Toxicology
Keywords: paralytic, hyperkalemia, succinylcholine (PubMed Search)
Posted: 1/26/2012 by Fermin Barrueto, MD
(Updated: 3/26/2023)
Click here to contact Fermin Barrueto, MD
As we go through the problems of national drug shortages it is important to remember the old drugs but to also remember why they became old and seldom used drugs. Prime example is many hospitals are beginning to develop shortages of rocuronium - the nondepolarizing paralytic that has a fast onset. This shortage has caused many to switch back to succinylcholine. The following case report should serve as reminder of how succinylcholine - due to its depolarizing nature and fasciculations - can cause a transient but significant hyperkalemia.
Levine M et al. – This case report describes a 38–year–old woman with multiple sclerosis who developed life–threatening hyperkalemia after the administration of succinylcholine during rapid sequence intubation. This case highlights the potential for iatrogenic hyperkalemia after succinylcholine in patients with neurologic diseases, including multiple sclerosis.
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: pradaxa, myocardial infarction (PubMed Search)
Posted: 1/19/2012 by Fermin Barrueto, MD
(Updated: 3/26/2023)
Click here to contact Fermin Barrueto, MD
Never be the first or last person to use a drug
Vioxx was once touted to be the drug that would be the new standard for anti-inflammatories until it was found to increase your chance of MI by 33% and cause hypertension.
Dabigatran was recently pulled from Japan markets and now is dealing with an impressive meta-analysis by Uchino et al. It showed that dabigatran was significantly associated with higher risk of MI or ACS than other agents.
Control arms (included warfarin, enoxaparin or placebo): MI rate 83 per 10,514
Dabigatran arms: MI rate 237 per 20,000
OR 1.33; 95% CI, 1.03-1.71; p=0.03
The rush for what is perceived as a panaceae for all that is wrong with coumadin could actually cause an MI while it tries to prevent a stroke in nonvalvular a-fib.
Look at the study and decide for yourself and remember Vioxx:
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/archinternmed.2011.1666v1
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: buprenorphine, Suboxone, overdose, children (PubMed Search)
Posted: 1/10/2012 by Bryan Hayes, PharmD
(Emailed: 1/12/2012)
(Updated: 1/12/2012)
Click here to contact Bryan Hayes, PharmD
Suboxone = buprenorphine and naloxone in a 4:1 ratio, respectively. Formulated in 2 mg or 8mg tablets and film.
Buprenorphine acts as a partial agonist on the mu receptor and an antagonist at the kappa receptor.
If > 2 mg are ingested or age < 2 years old, these patients should be evaluated in an ED as ALL children with > 4 mg ingestion had symptoms.
There is a ceiling effect with respiratory depression however no ceiling with analgesia. This gives buprenorphine a better safety profile compared to methadone.
Onset of symptoms is about an hour and onset of respiratory depression is about 2-3 hours.
Increased doses of naloxone starting at 0.1 mg/kg may be needed to overcome high receptor affinity of buprenorphine. Remember, most children are opioid-naive and will not experience withdrawal symptoms. Repeat doses of naloxone and even infusions may be needed.
In the ED, a minimum of 6 hours observation is necessary. If no clinical effects are noted at 6 hours the patient can safely be discharged, although one small case series recommended 24 hours observation.
Unintentional overdose is common in toddlers, so advise family to keep prescriptions including family pet prescriptions locked (buprenorphine in the IV form is used for veterinary pain control).
Hayes BD, Klein-Schwartz W, Doyon S. Toxicity of buprenorphine overdoses in children. Pediatrics 2008;121(4):e782-6.
Geib AJ, Babu K, Ewald MB, et al. Adverse effects in children after unintentional buprenorphine exposure. Pediatrics 2006;118(4):1746-51.
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: pradaxa, xarelto (PubMed Search)
Posted: 12/29/2011 by Fermin Barrueto, MD
(Updated: 3/26/2023)
Click here to contact Fermin Barrueto, MD
Another great example of the generic drug name being so difficult to pronounce you have no choice but to say - Xarelto. The drug touts ease of use and no need for hematologic monitoring like Pradaxa. This drug has the same indication for stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. It also is being used in DVT prophylaxis in hip and knee surgeries.
Differences:
- Selective Factor Xa inhibitor unlike Pradaxa which is a competetive direct thrombin inhibitor
- Once a day dosing instead of twice a day for Pradaxa
Same concerns:
- No real reversal but can use FFP in a pinch
- Recommend waiting 24 hrs DC med to perform surgical procedure - this includes LP. I am personally waiting for the first case report of LP performed in ED on a patient taking either Xarelto or Pradaxa with subsequent epidural hematoma. Someone is bound to miss this on the med list. Be careful.
Even if your hospital has not added it to its formulary, you will see patients on this drug in the ED.
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: hydrogen peroxide (PubMed Search)
Posted: 12/22/2011 by Fermin Barrueto, MD
(Updated: 3/26/2023)
Click here to contact Fermin Barrueto, MD
Generally H2O2 is available OTC at a concentration of 3-9% and used as an antiseptic. Toxicity is by two methods: local irritation like a caustic and gas formation - both directly correlating with the % concentration. Some interesting findings have occurred with this ingestion including:
1) Portal vein gas seen on CT
2) Arterialization of O2 resulting in CVA
3) Encephalopathy with cortical visual impairment
4) MRI showing b/l hemispheric CVAs
Even use of 3% H2O2 for wound irrgation has caused subcutaneous emphysema and O2 emboli.
Treatment: XR/CT/MRI may detect gas, if present in RV should be placed in Tredelenburg and carefully aspirated through a central venous catheter. Anectdotal case reports have used HBO therapy when patients were critically ill.(1)
1) Mullins et al. Acute cerebral gas embolism from hydrogen peroxide ingestion successfully treated with HBO. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1998; 38: 111-112.
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: warfarin, INR (PubMed Search)
Posted: 11/29/2011 by Bryan Hayes, PharmD
(Emailed: 12/8/2011)
(Updated: 12/8/2011)
Click here to contact Bryan Hayes, PharmD
A recent study highlighted the challenges we face managing ED patients on warfarin therapy. Some key observations about how we're doing:
Literature continues to show warfarin is the most dangerous medication for our patients. Meticulous monitoring and follow up will help us potentially avoid serious interactions and adverse events.
Meeker E, et al. ED management of patients on warfarin therapy. Ann Emerg Med 2011;58:192-99.
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: Insulin,beta blockers,calcium channel blockers (PubMed Search)
Posted: 12/1/2011 by Ellen Lemkin, MD, PharmD
Click here to contact Ellen Lemkin, MD, PharmD
High dose insulin is recommended in treatment of beta-blocker and calcium channel blocker overdose. In a recent observational case series of cardiogenic shock, high dose insulin was evaluated for efficacy and safety.
Holger JS, Stellpfug SJ, Cole JB, Harris CR, Engebretsen KM. High-Dose Insulin: A Consecutive Case Series in Toxin-Induced Cardiogenic Shock. Clinical Toxicology Aug 2011;49(7):653-8.
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: Toxic, epidermal, necrolysis (PubMed Search)
Posted: 11/17/2011 by Fermin Barrueto, MD
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TEN is a rare, life-threatening dermatologic emergency characterized initially by erythema and tenderness. It is followed by a severe exfoliation that resembles a severe burn patient. Classically occurs within days of the exposure of the drug. Nikolsky's sign may be present - not pathognomonic.
The following is a short list of medications that can cause this lethal reaction:
allopurinol, bactrim, nitrofurantoin, NSAIDs, penicillin, phenytoin, lamotrigine, sulfasalazine
Treatment: transfer to a burn center may be needed, steroids are not generally recommended however immunomodulators are beginning to show promise - IVIG, cyclosporine and cyclophosphamide
See pic that is attached for example of the sloughing
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: idiopathic intracranial hypertension, pseudotumor cerebri, tetracycline, vitamin a (PubMed Search)
Posted: 10/11/2011 by Bryan Hayes, PharmD
(Emailed: 11/10/2011)
(Updated: 11/10/2011)
Click here to contact Bryan Hayes, PharmD
Several medications have been linked to causing idiopathic intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri). Be sure to record an accurate medication history in patients you suspect of having this diagnosis.
Withdrawal of the offending agent will generally resolve the symptoms.
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: salicylate, aspirin, alkalosis, acidosis (PubMed Search)
Posted: 11/3/2011 by Ellen Lemkin, MD, PharmD
(Updated: 3/26/2023)
Click here to contact Ellen Lemkin, MD, PharmD
Salicylates:
Overall, this results in a mixed respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis.
Micromedex; Poisindex, salicylate poisoning.
Category: Toxicology
Keywords: overdose, methotrexate (PubMed Search)
Posted: 10/27/2011 by Fermin Barrueto, MD
(Updated: 3/26/2023)
Click here to contact Fermin Barrueto, MD
Methotrexate is a chemotherapeutic that is utilized in non-Hodgkin lymphoma and breast CA. It is also used as an immunosuppressant for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Finally, we see it used in the ED for the treatment of ectopic pregnancy. Overdose, often unintentional, can have a lethal outcome.
Toxicity: LFTs rise, N/V, stomatitis, mucositis, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, renal failure
Antidote: Leukovorin (Folinic Acid)
Other Tx: Carboxypeptidase G2, Charcoal Hemoperfusion, HD (possible)