Hemolytic anemia after zopiclone overdose.
BACKGROUND
Zopiclone is associated with methemoglobinemia. We report a case of zopiclone overdose manifested with another hematological complication, hemolysis.


METHODS
A 46-year-old woman overdosed with 50-100 tablets of 7.5 mg zopiclone. Oxidative hemolysis was evident by anemia, bite cells, raised unconjugated bilirubin and lactate dehydrogenase, lowered haptoglobin, and reticulocytosis.


CONCLUSIONS
In zopiclone overdose, there may be oxidative stress rendering the development of not only methemoglobinemia but also hemolysis.
Fung
Hin Tat Jeffrey
HT
Accident & Emergency Department, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, China. funght@ha.org.hk
Lai
Cing Hon
CH
Wong
Oi Fung
OF
Lam
Shing Kit Tommy
SK
Lam
Ka Keung
KK
D000743:Anemia, Hemolytic / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D053961:Azabicyclo Compounds / Q000506:poisoning*; D062787:Drug Overdose; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000506:poisoning*; D008875:Middle Aged; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D010879:Piperazines / Q000506:poisoning*
D053961:Azabicyclo Compounds; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D010879:Piperazines; C515050:zopiclone