Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL): analysis of overdose cases reported to the Swiss Toxicological Information Centre.
We analysed 141 cases of Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) intoxication reported by physicians to the Swiss Toxicological Information Centre between 1995 and 2003. GHB and GBL intoxication are associated with considerable morbidity. Multiple drug use is common. Overdosing frequently results in non-reactive coma, which accounts for the severity of the intoxication and the costs occasioned by management.
Liechti
Matthias E
ME
Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland. meliechti@dplanet.ch
Kupferschmidt
Hugo
H
D015107:4-Butyrolactone / Q000506:poisoning*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012978:Sodium Oxybate / Q000506:poisoning*; D013557:Switzerland / Q000453:epidemiology
D012978:Sodium Oxybate; D015107:4-Butyrolactone