The use of ethamivan in the treatment of barbiturate poisoning.

Abstract

Ethamivan was used as a respiratory analeptic in the treatment of nine cases of severe barbiturate poisoning. Initial intravenous injections of 100 to 150 mg. of ethamivan increased the depth of respirations within a minute. Prolonged respiratory stimulation was achieved by a continuous intravenous infusion of 500 to 3000 mg. of ethamivan per litre of fluid. If hypotension occurred, an intravenous drip of noradrenaline was used; fluid overloading was avoided by adjusting the concentrations of drugs given, so that no more than a total of 125 c.c. of fluid per hour was administered. The chief side effect of overdosage of ethamivan was muscular twitching. This did not prove to be a problem and was of some value in determining the amount of drug given. The nine patients survived. It was concluded that ethamivan is a useful agent in the treatment of barbiturate poisoning.

• Authors: P J WHEELDON, A W PERRY
• Journal: Canadian Medical Association journal (Can Med Assoc J) Vol. 89 Pg. 20-2 (Jul 06 1963) ISSN: 0008-4409 [Print] Canada
• PMID: 14000228 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Barbiturates
• Benzamides
• Central Nervous System Stimulants
• ethamivan
• barbituric acid

Topics

• Barbiturates (toxicity)
• Benzamides
• Central Nervous System Stimulants
• Humans
• Hypotension
• Respiration