[Severe Vicedrin poisoning in a 17-month-old girl]

The child ingested 7 tabl. of VICEDRIN (a combination of phenacetin, ephedrin, chinin, acid. ascorbicum), the total dose of phenacetin was 140 mg/kg of b.w. Lethal doses of phenacetin vary between 100-200 mg/kg, the sensitivity to phenacetin being increased in infants. Toxicological examination in this case revealed a high concentration of phenacetin in urine. The clinical signs of intoxication were vomiting (hematemesis), methemoglobinemia and somnolence. 2 hemoperfusions were performed lasting 6 hrs and 5 hrs resp. (HEMASORB 400 A 4), the second one were combined with hemodialysis because after the first perfusion a high concentration of metabolic products of phenacetin was detected in urine. After the second perfusion the status of the child rapidly improved and we could discharge the patient of the 10th day after admission. Hemoperfusion is recommended in severe intoxication with phenacetin, the combination with, hemodialysis is possible to remove its metabolic product.