Pediatric emergency care
October 1, 2018
Stephen L Thornton, Sarah Hoehn, Roy R Gerona
6 citations
A 17-year-old male experienced seizures, systemic inflammatory response, and rhabdomyolysis after taking what he thought was LSD, but laboratory testing confirmed exposure to the designer drugs 4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-I) and its n-benzyloxymethyl analog (25I-NBOMe). Seizures resolved with midazolam, but he required intubation. His urine drug screen was negative. Creatine kinase peaked at 14,579 U/L, and creatinine at 2.46 mg/dL. He recovered fully with intravenous fluids and was discharged after five days. The 2C drugs and their analogs are potent serotonergic agents associated with severe toxicity including seizures, rhabdomyolysis, and death, and should be considered in cases of drug-induced seizures.
Pediatric emergency care
January 1, 2014
Matthew D Thornton, Carl R Baum
Novel synthetic drugs like synthetic cathinones (bath salts) and synthetic cannabinoids (spice or K2), along with the naturally occurring hallucinogen Salvia divinorum, have become popular drugs of abuse. Their legal status is rapidly changing and confusing for lawmakers and medical practitioners. This review provides up-to-date information on the legality, historical background, chemical composition, patterns of abuse, clinical presentations, laboratory analysis, and management strategies for these substances, with a focus on synthetic cathinones.
Pediatric emergency care
December 1, 2004
Edward W Boyer
Dextromethorphan, an over-the-counter dissociative drug, is increasingly abused by younger adolescents. Its toxic effects vary with dose and formulation ingredients. Most cases resolve with supportive care, but severe intoxication may require significant medical attention. Early identification and treatment of dextromethorphan abuse may help prevent broader substance abuse in this age group. Clinicians should recognize, treat, and refer patients presenting with intoxication from this drug.