Massive strychnine intoxication: serial blood levels in a fatal case.
A fatal case of strychnine intoxication is reported. The patient expired despite early aggressive management and prevention of metabolic complications. Serial blood levels are reported. In contrast to a previous report describing first order elimination kinetics, our data suggest that strychnine follows Michaelis-Menton elimination kinetics. The case illustrates the rapid, dramatic course of severe strychnine ingestions. A review of the toxicokinetics, mechanism of action and treatment of strychnine intoxication follows.
Heiser
J M
JM
Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland.
Daya
M R
MR
Magnussen
A R
AR
Norton
R L
RL
Spyker
D A
DA
Allen
D W
DW
Krasselt
W
W
D001344:Autopsy; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D003975:Diazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011041:Poisoning / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy; D013331:Strychnine / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000506:poisoning*
D013331:Strychnine; D003975:Diazepam