Abstract
Two cases in which dermal absorption of promethazine hydrochloride resulted in a toxic neurologic syndrome are reported. The symptoms included central nervous system depression, acute excitomotor manifestations, ataxia and visual hallucinations. In addition, peripheral anticholinergic effects occurred. These symptoms are comparable with those of oral, intramuscular and rectal overdose of promethazine. The demonstrated risks of the topical use of promethazine outweigh any benefits.
Full text
PDFSelected References
These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.
- Cleghorn G., Bourke G. Physostigmine for promethazine poisoning. Lancet. 1980 Aug 16;2(8190):368–369. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(80)90366-9. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- DOMINIKOVICH E. G. Drug toxicity. N Z Med J. 1962 Sep;61:467–469. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Darwish H., Grant R., Haslam R., Roth S. Promethazine-induced acute dystonic reactions. Am J Dis Child. 1980 Oct;134(10):990–991. doi: 10.1001/archpedi.1980.02130220066020. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Fisher S. E. Encephalitic reaction to promethazine. J Pediatr. 1972 May;80(5):896–897. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3476(72)80163-x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Leak D., Carroll D. Promethazine poisoning: clinical and electroencephalographic observations. Br Med J. 1967 Apr 1;2(5543):31–32. doi: 10.1136/bmj.2.5543.31. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Magera B. E., Betlach C. J., Sweatt A. P., Derrick C. W., Jr Hydroxyzine intoxication in a 13-month-old child. Pediatrics. 1981 Feb;67(2):280–283. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Newton R. W. Physostigmine salicylate in the treatment of tricyclic antidepressant overdosage. JAMA. 1975 Mar 3;231(9):941–943. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]