Dextromethorphan- and pseudoephedrine-induced agitated psychosis and ataxia: case report.
Pseudoephedrine and dextromethorphan are therapeutic constituents of numerous commonly used, over-the-counter cough and cold preparations. Although this drug combination is generally considered quite safe if utilized in recommended doses, overmedication or overdose can result in serious neurologic and cardiovascular abnormalities that occasionally can be life-threatening. We present a case of a 2-year-old child who developed hyperirritability, psychosis, and ataxia after being overmedicated with a pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan combination cough preparation, and discuss probable mechanisms of toxicity and risk factors for adverse events.
Roberge
R J
RJ
Department of Emergency Medicine, Western Pennsylvania Hospital, Pittsburgh 15224, USA.
Hirani
K H
KH
Rowland
P L
PL
Berkeley
R
R
Krenzelok
E P
EP
D000996:Antitussive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001259:Ataxia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003915:Dextromethorphan / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004630:Emergencies; D004809:Ephedrine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011605:Psychoses, Substance-Induced / Q000209:etiology*; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000996:Antitussive Agents; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents; D003915:Dextromethorphan; D004809:Ephedrine