Use of transdermal nicotine systems in a possible suicide attempt.
BACKGROUND
Transdermal drug delivery systems, a relatively recent development, are well accepted by physicians and patients because of reliability and ease of administration. The patch reservoirs, however, contain large quantities of drug, and the potential for considerable toxicity exists if they are used incorrectly. A case is presented of an apparent suicide attempt that involved the use of nicotine transdermal patches.


METHODS
This case report involved a patient seen in the emergency department by one of the authors. Data were obtained from the patient's medical record while maintaining confidentiality.


RESULTS
The drug overdose was a potentially serious one. The patient recovered fully after an uneventful hospital course.


CONCLUSIONS
Transdermal drug delivery systems now deliver many drugs, several of which are quite potent. Intentional or unintentional misuse of the systems can result in toxicity. The physician and pharmacist should carefully instruct each patient in the appropriate use and handling of transdermal drug delivery systems.
Montalto
N
N
Department of Family Medicine, Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus.
Brackett
C C
CC
Sobol
T
T
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009538:Nicotine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000506:poisoning*; D013406:Suicide, Attempted
D009538:Nicotine