Treatment of phenobarbital poisoning with multiple dose activated charcoal in an infant.
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.
Amitai
Y
Y
Department of Pediatrics, Hadassah University Hospital, Mt. Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel.
Degani
Y
Y
D002606:Charcoal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008508:Medication Errors; D010634:Phenobarbital / Q000506:poisoning* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011041:Poisoning / Q000628:therapy; D013012:Sorbitol / Q000008:administration & dosage
D002606:Charcoal; D013012:Sorbitol; D010634:Phenobarbital