Pyrethrin poisoning from commercial-strength flea and tick spray.
A case of acute poisoning followed inhalation and cutaneous exposure to an over-the-counter flea and tick insecticide containing 0.15% pyrethrins. A self-limited syndrome of cutaneous paresthesias, upper respiratory tract irritation, dyspnea with productive cough, and repetitive vomiting and diarrhea occurred. The patient recovered uneventfully with conservative therapy. A review of the pharmacology and toxicity of pyrethrins and related products is discussed, as well as management of pyrethrin poisoning.
Paton
D L
DL
Emergency Medicine Residency Program, Darnall Army Community Hospital, Fort Hood, Texas.
Walker
J S
JS
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010292:Paresthesia / Q000139:chemically induced; D011398:Promethazine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011722:Pyrethrins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000506:poisoning*; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced*
D011722:Pyrethrins; D011398:Promethazine