Baclofen and ethanol ingestion: a case report

The number of reported cases of skeletal muscle relaxant ingestion has been increasing in the United States, although fatalities are rare. A 30-year-old women ingested 300 mg of baclofen and ethanol. She was able to ambulate into the Emergency Department (ED) 50 min later, but within 30 min post-arrival had a Glasgow Coma Score of 3. She was treated with supportive care including mechanical ventilation for 36 h. Her neurologic status returned to her previous state. Coma may occur rapidly after baclofen overdose, and the respiratory depression may be exacerbated by the co-ingestion of ethanol. Primary importance in the treatment of such ingestions should be placed on maintenance of an airway and respiratory support.