Life threatening intracerebral hemorrhage with isometheptene mucate, dichlorophenazine and acetaminophen combination therapy.
A 45 year old female with no stroke risk factors suffered a massive intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) after ingesting Midrin--a combination of isometheptene mucate, dichlorophenazine and acetaminophen. Neuroimaging revealed no evidence of structural disease or underlying vasculopathy. This is the first reported case of isometheptene induced ICH in the absence of underlying cerebrovascular disease. Physicians must be aware of the potential for this complication, and inquire about the use of isometheptene in unexplained cerebral hemorrhages. Neurological communities in countries with nonprescription isometheptene should discourage unsupervised or excessive use of the drug.
Johnston
James C
JC
Legal Medicine Consultants, Seattle, WA, USA. JohnstonMDJD@aol.com
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000983:Antipyrine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced*; D002697:Chloral Hydrate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008744:Methylamines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013405:Suicide
D000700:Analgesics; D004338:Drug Combinations; D008744:Methylamines; D000082:Acetaminophen; D002697:Chloral Hydrate; C008527:Midrin; D000983:Antipyrine