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09:16

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Published on: January 22, 2016

Pharmacologic treatment of acute pediatric methamphetamine toxicity

Anne-Michelle Ruha1, Mark C Yarema

  • 1Department of Medical Toxicology, Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85006-2502, USA. michelle.ruha@bannerhealth.com

Pediatric Emergency Care
|January 2, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Benzodiazepines and haloperidol effectively sedated pediatric patients with methamphetamine poisoning. This study found no serious adverse effects when using these medications for acute toxicity management.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Toxicology
  • Pharmacology
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Acute methamphetamine poisoning in children presents significant management challenges.
  • Agitation and altered mental status are common symptoms requiring prompt intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of benzodiazepines and haloperidol for sedating pediatric patients with acute methamphetamine poisoning.
  • To report clinical experience with these agents in intensive care settings.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of 18 pediatric patients admitted for methamphetamine toxicity.
  • Analysis of drug dosages, clinical features, and laboratory results.
  • Recording of adverse events associated with haloperidol and benzodiazepines.

Main Results:

  • Eighteen patients received benzodiazepines with variable dosing.
  • Twelve patients were also treated with parenteral haloperidol.
  • No complications were observed from the administration of either haloperidol or benzodiazepines.

Conclusions:

  • Parenteral benzodiazepines and haloperidol are effective in controlling agitation in pediatric methamphetamine poisoning.
  • These agents appear to be safe for short-term use in this patient population.
  • Further research may explore optimal dosing and long-term outcomes.
Abstract

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