Aluminum toxicity following IV use of oral methadone solution

Aluminum toxicity has been reported in renal failure patients exposed to aluminum-contaminated dialysate and oral phosphate binders. We report a case of significant aluminum toxicity in a non-hemodialysis patient.

A 43-year-old male IV drug user presented to the hospital with a seizure disorder of recent onset, progressive cognitive decline, ataxia, and dysarthria. The serum aluminum concentration was 180 micrograms/L (6.65 micromol/L). For 3 to 4 years prior, the patient had injected 'cooked' oral methadone. The methadone solution was heated in an aluminum pot to reduce the volume and then injected intravenously (IV). He was treated with IV deferoxamine over 9 months until he failed to return. Serum aluminum level after 9 months of treatment was 64.5 microgram/L (2.39 micromol/L). Neurological symptoms were partially improved.

Chronic IV injection of oral methadone solution heated in an aluminum-based cooking utensil may result in significant aluminum toxicity.