Adverse reaction to Coartem (artemether/ lumefantrine) resulting in oculogyric crisis
10.1186/s40902-021-00300-y
- Author:
Emmanuel Kofi AMPONSAH
1
;
Buyanbileg SODNOM-ISH
;
Aaron Sowah ANYETEI-ANUM
;
Paul FRIMPONG
;
Soung Min KIM
Author Information
1. Oral and Maxillofacial Microvascular Reconstruction LAB, Ghana Health Service, Brong Ahafo Regional Hospital, P.O. Box 27, Sunyani, Brong Ahafo, Ghana
- Publication Type:C A S E R E P O R T
- From:Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
2021;43(1):13-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Artemether/lumefantrine (AL), sold under the brand name Coartem, is the most common artemisininbased combination therapy for the treatment of malaria. Drug-induced oculogyric crisis is a neurological disorder characterized by frequent upward deviations of the eye. In the literature, no cases of Coartem-induced oculogyric crisis have been reported in Ghana.Case presentation: A 19-year-old male patient, who presented fever measuring 37.9 °C, general body pains, and weakness was prescribed with antimalarial therapy artemether/lumefantrine, Coartem®, from a local pharmacy. Just after initiation of treatment, the patient complained of double vision, involuntary upward eye deviation, and inability to close both eyes. The patient was diagnosed with Coartem-induced oculogyric crisis and was treated with the cessation of the causing agent and intramuscular injection of promethazine hydrochloride.
Conclusions:When a patient exhibits a neurological disorder, such as oculogyric crisis, with normal conscious state and normal vital signs, special attention should be given to obtaining a history of recently administered medications. Clinicians should recognize adverse reactions to drugs based on a thorough patient history and examination. The goal of this report was to present Coartem-induced oculogyric crisis.
