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Status epilepticus in a pediatric patient with amantadine overdose

Isabelle Claudet1, Céline Maréchal

  • 1Pediatric Emergency Department, Children's Hospital, Toulouse, France. claudet.i@chu-toulouse.fr

Pediatric Neurology
|January 13, 2009
PubMed

Insights

A young child experienced status epilepticus after ingesting amantadine. Prompt medical care led to a full recovery, highlighting the importance of timely intervention for amantadine toxicity in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Clinical Toxicology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Amantadine is an antiviral medication with potential central nervous system side effects.
  • Pediatric ingestion cases require careful monitoring for neurological complications.

Observation:

  • A 2-year-old boy ingested a significant dose of amantadine (0.8-1.5 g).
  • The child presented with agitation, diaphoresis, vomiting, tachycardia, and mydriasis.
  • Seizures progressed to status epilepticus over 7 hours.

Findings:

  • Amantadine overdose in a pediatric patient can precipitate status epilepticus.
  • Clinical manifestations included a spectrum of neurological and autonomic symptoms.
  • Symptoms resolved within 20 hours, with complete recovery.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the neurotoxic potential of amantadine in young children.
  • Highlights the need for prompt recognition and management of amantadine toxicity.
  • Emphasizes the importance of pediatric emergency protocols for managing drug ingestions.

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