Pharmacologic treatment of acute pediatric methamphetamine toxicity.
OBJECTIVE
To report our experience with the use of benzodiazepines and haloperidol for sedation of pediatric patients with acute methamphetamine poisoning.


METHODS
We performed a retrospective chart review of 18 pediatric patients who were admitted to an intensive care unit for methamphetamine toxicity from January 1997 to October 2004 and treated with benzodiazepines or haloperidol. Clinical features, dose of drug received, and laboratory test results were noted. Adverse effects from the use of haloperidol such as prolonged QTc, dystonic reactions, and torsades de pointes were recorded.


RESULTS
Eighteen patients received a benzodiazepine, the dose of which varied depending on the agent used. Twelve patients also received parenteral haloperidol. No complications developed from the use of either haloperidol or benzodiazepines.


CONCLUSIONS
In this case series of pediatric patients poisoned with methamphetamine, parenteral benzodiazepines and haloperidol were used to control agitation. No serious adverse effects were observed from the use of these agents.
Ruha
Anne-Michelle
AM
Department of Medical Toxicology, Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85006-2502, USA. michelle.ruha@bannerhealth.com
Yarema
Mark C
MC
D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000506:poisoning*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000506:poisoning*; D020258:Neurotoxicity Syndromes / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D008694:Methamphetamine; D006220:Haloperidol