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Fluoxetine exposures: are they safe for children?
1Central Texas Pison Center, Texas Poison Center Network, Scott & White Memorial Hospital and Clinic, Texas A&M University System Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple, Texas, USA. bakerda@chi.osu.edu
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|May 13, 2004
Summary
Unintentional fluoxetine ingestions in young children appear safe. A study of 120 cases found no major adverse effects, with most experiencing minimal or no symptoms, suggesting no emergency treatment is typically needed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Unintentional pediatric ingestions of fluoxetine are common.
- Limited large-scale studies exist to confirm the safety of these exposures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical presentation and outcomes of unintentional fluoxetine ingestions in children under six years old.
- To identify potential signs and symptoms associated with significant fluoxetine overdose in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 120 cases from six regional poison centers.
- Inclusion criteria: age <6 years, known ingested amount (≥20 mg), single substance exposure, and documented outcome.
- Calculation of milligram per kilogram doses for a subset of patients.
Main Results:
- The median ingested dose was 20 mg (2.26 mg/kg in analyzed cases).
- Mild signs and symptoms occurred in only 3.3% of cases.
- No major signs or symptoms were reported; 92% ingested ≤60 mg.
Conclusions:
- Unintentional fluoxetine ingestions in young children are generally associated with minimal or no adverse effects.
- Emergency treatment or gastric decontamination is rarely required for these exposures.
- Findings support the general belief in the relative safety of accidental pediatric fluoxetine ingestions.