Treatment of phenobarbital poisoning with multiple dose activated charcoal in an infant.

Abstract

A 28-day-old infant developed lethargy, hypotonia, and hypothermia following a phenobarbital overdose secondary to a pharmacist's error. He was treated with multiple dose activated charcoal (MDAC) and alkalinization of the urine, which resulted in prompt recovery with rapid elimination of the drug (t1/2-11.2 hours, expected 45 to 118 hours). The use of MDAC in this newborn was safe and effective. We suggest that age should not pose a barrier to the use of MDAC, when indicated.

• Authors: Y Amitai, Y Degani
• Journal: The Journal of emergency medicine (J Emerg Med) 1990 Jul-Aug Vol. 8 Issue 4 Pg. 449-50 ISSN: 0736-4679 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2212564 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Charcoal
• Sorbitol
• Phenobarbital

Topics

• Charcoal (therapeutic use)
• Epilepsy (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Infant, Newborn
• Male
• Medication Errors
• Phenobarbital (poisoning, therapeutic use)
• Poisoning (therapy)
• Sorbitol (administration & dosage)