Accidental clozapine intoxication in a ten-year-old child.
Clozapine is a tricyclic dibenzodiazepine derivative used commonly in the treatment of schizophrenia. Severe side effects of overdose have been described in children. This report describes the unintentional ingestion of clozapine by a 10-y-o girl, presenting dramatic changes of mental status and progressive alteration of consciousness with a Glasgow Coma Scale drop from 12 to 7. Urine analysis revealed 500 microg clozapine/L 24 h after ingestion. Full resolution of symptoms occurred after approximately 55 h with no sequels or alterations at follow-up. Awareness must be taken when administering atypical antipsychotics such as clozapine to children because of the severe intoxication effects cases reported.
Borzutzky
Arturo
A
Catholic University School of Medicine, Santiago, Chile.
Avello
Esteban
E
Rumie
Hana
H
Paris
Enrique
E
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000506:poisoning* / Q000652:urine; D002648:Child; D003024:Clozapine / Q000506:poisoning* / Q000652:urine; D003128:Coma / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D004638:Emergency Treatment; D005260:Female; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006801:Humans; D009460:Neurologic Examination
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003024:Clozapine