[A drowsy child: benzodiazepine poisoning?].

Abstract

In The Netherlands accidental intoxications in children due to benzodiazepines are regularly encountered. In 1987 of 1630 requests for information at the National Poison Control Centre about probable benzodiazepine intoxications 144 (8.8%) concerned children 0-12 years of age. The symptoms of this type of intoxication are non-specific and if the physician does not think of benzodiazepine intoxication extensive diagnostic procedures may be performed. If children show symptoms e.g. unconsciousness, ataxia and hypotonia, the physician should always think of benzodiazepine intoxication and try to confirm or to exclude this possibility by toxicological analysis. We discuss ways and means of the diagnosis and how to avoid pitfalls on the way.

• Authors: C E van Gelderen, N C Notermans, V H Nanninga-van den Neste, A van Dijk, T J Savelkoul
• Journal: Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde (Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd) Vol. 133 Issue 35 Pg. 1749-51 (Sep 02 1989) ISSN: 0028-2162 [Print] Netherlands
• Vernacular Title: Een suf kind: benzodiazepine-intoxicatie?
• PMID: 2571952 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Anxiety Agents
• Flunitrazepam
• Oxazepam

Topics

• Anti-Anxiety Agents (poisoning)
• Ataxia (chemically induced)
• Child, Preschool
• Flunitrazepam (poisoning)
• Humans
• Male
• Muscle Hypotonia (chemically induced)
• Oxazepam (poisoning)
• Unconsciousness (chemically induced)