Serotonin Syndrome After an Overdose of Dextromethorphan and Chlorpeniramine: Two Case Reports.
- Author:
Kwang Yul JUNG
1
;
Sung Hyun YUN
;
Hyun Min JUNG
;
Ji Hye KIM
;
Seung Baik HAN
;
Jun Sig KIM
;
Jin Hui PAIK
Author Information
1. Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea. riven2ne@naver.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Dextromethorphan;
Chlorpeniramine;
Serotonin syndrome
- MeSH:
Adult;
Antitussive Agents;
Cough;
Counseling;
Dextromethorphan;
Female;
Humans;
Lower Extremity;
Male;
Middle Aged;
Reflex, Abnormal;
Serotonin;
Serotonin Agents;
Serotonin Syndrome
- From:Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
2013;11(1):19-22
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Dextromethorphan and chlorpeniramine are common ingredients of over-the-counter (OTC) cough pills. They are known to be safe when used alone, however, combination with other serotonergic drugs or use of an overdose can cause serotonergic toxicity. We report on a 43-year-old male and a 57-year-old female who ingested an overdose of antitussive drugs containing dextromethorphan and chlorpeniramine. They commonly presented with altered mentality and hyperreflexia on both upper and lower extremities. After conservative therapies, they were discharged with alert mentality. These cases are meaningful in that there are few cases of serotonin syndrome with an overdose of a combination of dextromethorphan and chlorpeniramine. Careful use with medication counseling for OTC cough pills is needed in order to prevent overdose of these ingredients.
