Two chlorzoxazone (Parafon forte) overdoses and coma in one patient: reversal with flumazenil.
Chlorzoxazone (Parafon forte) overdose is rarely reported despite widespread use of this drug. This report describes a case of two episodes of chlorzoxazone overdose and coma in the same patient. Intubation and mechanical ventilation were required on the first presentation. Following the second overdose, intubation was averted and drug effects were reversed by use of the benzodiazepine antagonist, flumazenil. Although chlorzoxazone is not classified as a benzodiazepine, it may interact with benzodiazepine receptors, thus making flumazenil potentially useful in overdose states.
Department of Emergency Medicine, Western Pennsylvania Hospital, Pittsburgh 15224, USA.
R J
RJ
Roberge
B
B
Atchley
K
K
Ryan
E P
EP
Krenzelok
D000931:Antidotes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002753:Chlorzoxazone / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000506:poisoning*; D003128:Coma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D062787:Drug Overdose; D004638:Emergency Treatment; D005442:Flumazenil / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018757:GABA Modulators; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000506:poisoning*; D012008:Recurrence; D012121:Respiration, Artificial
D000931:Antidotes; D018757:GABA Modulators; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central; D005442:Flumazenil; D002753:Chlorzoxazone