Rhabdomyolysis Complicating Doxylamine Overdose.
- Author:
So Young LEE
1
;
Young Sun KANG
;
Sang Youp HAN
;
Jong Woo YOON
;
Sang Kyung JO
;
Dae Ryong CHA
;
Won Yong CHO
;
Hyoung Kyu KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Hospital, The Institute of Renal Disease, Seoul, Korea. wonyong@kuccnx.korea.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Doxylamine;
Rhabdomyolysis
- MeSH:
Acute Kidney Injury;
Doxylamine*;
Eating;
Fever;
Humans;
Hypertension;
Medical Records;
Rhabdomyolysis*;
Seizures;
Succinic Acid;
Tachycardia
- From:Korean Journal of Nephrology
2001;20(1):120-126
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Because of its ready availability in over-the-counter sleep preparations, doxylamine succinate is used frequently for suicidal attempts. Non-traumatic rhabdomyolysis is known to be a rare complication of doxylamine succinate but its pathogenesis and dose dependent effect are not known. The purpose of this study is to examine the frequency of various complications, especially rhabdomyolysis in doxylamine overdose and also to examine the effect of dose on the occurrence of these complications. METHODS: Medical records of patients who ingested doxylamine succinate from July 1996 to June 2000 were reviewed. Their age, sex, amount of ingestion and laborotory data are collected and also the occurrence of complication and dose-complication relationship were examined. RESULTS: 1) Total number of patients was 33 and average dose of ingestion was 1,510.6+/-180.7mg(150-5,000). 2) Complication rates were as follows tachycardia 20 patients(66%), hypertension 17 patients(51%), rhabdomyolysis 16 patients(48.4%), generalized seizure 7 patients(21.2%) and hyperthermia 5 patients(15.1%). 3) Tachycardia, seizure and rhabdomyolysis were occured more frequently in high dose groups. CONCLUSION: Rhbdomyolysis is not an infrequent complication in doxylamine overdose. Recognition of potential hazard for rhabdomyolysis and the institution of vigorous treatment to prevent acute renal failure, especially in patients who have taken a large amount of drugs will be required.