Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Methods for ECG Evaluation of Indicators of Cardiac Risk, and Susceptibility to Aconitine-induced Arrhythmias in Rats Following Status Epilepticus
08:28

Methods for ECG Evaluation of Indicators of Cardiac Risk, and Susceptibility to Aconitine-induced Arrhythmias in Rats Following Status Epilepticus

Published on: April 5, 2011

Clonidine poisoning in children: a recent experience

Y Sinha1, N E Cranswick

  • 1Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|December 1, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Clonidine poisoning in children led to significant illness, with many requiring intensive care. Educating parents about the dangers of clonidine overdose is crucial for prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Toxicology
  • Clinical Pediatrics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Clonidine is prescribed for various conditions, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • Accidental ingestion or overdose of clonidine in children can lead to serious adverse events.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and analyze cases of clonidine poisoning in children presenting to a tertiary pediatric hospital.
  • To investigate trends in presentation, outcomes, and prevention strategies for clonidine poisoning.
  • To explore public health implications related to clonidine use in pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of clonidine poisoning cases at Royal Children's Hospital from 1997 to 2001.
  • Data extraction from coded medical records for analysis.

Main Results:

  • Twenty-four cases of clonidine poisoning were identified over five years.
  • Impaired consciousness and bradycardia were the most frequent symptoms.
  • Half of the affected children required intensive care, with three needing mechanical ventilation.

Conclusions:

  • This study represents the largest series of pediatric clonidine poisoning in Australia, highlighting considerable morbidity.
  • There is a significant need for enhanced parental education regarding the risks of clonidine overdose.
  • Preventive measures should focus on safe storage and awareness of potential dangers to children.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings06:59

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings

Published on: November 9, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios01:26

Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios

Pharmaceutical poisoning can occur through various channels, impacting an estimated 2 million hospitalized patients in the U.S. annually with serious adverse drug responses. These scenarios encompass both therapeutic uses, such as drug toxicity, where even standard dosages can lead to severe central nervous system depression, and non-therapeutic exposures, including accidental ingestion by children, and environmental and occupational exposures.Unintentional poisonings often involve exploratory...
Toxidromes: Clinical Features01:30

Toxidromes: Clinical Features

Toxidromes are specific patterns of symptoms resulting from toxic substance exposure. They help in the identification and treatment of poisoning. The symptoms of each toxidrome group indicate poisoning by a certain class of chemicals or drugs.1. Sympathomimetic: Stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. Symptoms include agitation, increased heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), respiratory rate (RR), temperature, and pupil size. Drugs like cocaine and amphetamines, along with tremors and...
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies01:26

Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies

Treatment strategies for poisoning are a critical aspect of emergency medicine, focusing on preventing the absorption of toxins and enhancing their elimination. When a poisoning incident occurs, the first response is to halt exposure and decontaminate the patient, particularly through gastrointestinal (GI) methods if the poison was ingested.Gastrointestinal Decontamination Techniques:Activated charcoal is the cornerstone of GI decontamination. It works through adsorption, binding the toxin to...
Drug Toxicity: Dose-Dependent Reactions01:24

Drug Toxicity: Dose-Dependent Reactions

Drug toxicities can be stratified into pharmacological, pathological, or genotoxic based on their mechanisms. The incidence and severity of these toxicities generally increase with the drug's concentration in the body and exposure time.Pharmacological toxicity is evident when the therapeutic effects of drugs overshoot into adverse reactions in a predictable, dose-dependent manner. Central nervous system (CNS) depression from barbiturates is a classic example, with effects escalating from...
Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment01:26

Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment

Anticholinesterases, also known as cholinesterase inhibitors, work by blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine, leading to its accumulation in the synaptic cleft. This accumulation indirectly enhances both muscarinic and nicotinic actions. These agents are classified as reversible or irreversible based on their mechanism of action.     
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...
Drug Toxicity: Overview01:00

Drug Toxicity: Overview

Drug toxicity quantifies the harm a compound causes to an organism, varying by dose and potentially impacting whole systems or specific organs like the liver. Toxic reactions may arise from venomous insect or spider bites, with effects ranging from mild symptoms to severe outcomes such as brain damage or death. Common forms of acute poisoning include ethanol intoxication and overdose of pain or fever medications, with substances like GHB and heroin being particularly lethal at doses close to...