[Multiple abscesses induced by self injection of zolpidem]

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Dermatology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Zolpidem is a prescription hypnotic medication.
• It is sometimes abused by individuals for its psychoactive effects.

Observation:

• A case of a young female drug addict presenting with aseptic cutaneous abscesses on the forearms and feet is described.
• These lesions resulted from the self-injection of powdered zolpidem.

Findings:

• Histopathological examination of the abscesses revealed birefringent structures.
• These structures were identified as microcrystalline cellulose, a common excipient in zolpidem tablets.
• Microscopic analysis of dissolved zolpidem tablets confirmed the presence of these structures.

Implications:

• This case highlights a novel complication of zolpidem abuse.
• The findings suggest that self-injection of powdered zolpidem can lead to physical complications due to excipients.
• Physicians should be aware of these potential risks in patients abusing hypnotic drugs.