Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
09:57

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Published on: September 20, 2024

Pediatric metaxalone ingestions reported to Texas poison control centers, 2000-2007

Mathias B Forrester1

  • 1Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, TX 78756, USA. mathias.forrester@dshs.state.tx.us

Pediatric Emergency Care
|January 1, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Metaxalone ingestions in young children typically result in no or minor effects, with most cases not requiring hospitalization. This study analyzed pediatric metaxalone exposures reported to poison control centers.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Metaxalone is a muscle relaxant.
  • Pediatric ingestions of prescription medications are a significant concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize metaxalone ingestions in children aged 0–5 years.
  • To analyze demographic and clinical data from poison control center reports.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of metaxalone ingestions reported to Texas poison control centers (2000–2007).
  • Exclusion of cases with multiple ingestions or incomplete follow-up.
  • Evaluation of patient demographics, management sites, and clinical outcomes.

Main Results:

  • 148 pediatric metaxalone ingestions were analyzed; 56.8% involved boys.
  • Most ingestions (90.5%) resulted in no effect; 8.1% had minor effects.
  • Drowsiness was the most common clinical effect reported.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric metaxalone ingestions are generally associated with benign outcomes.
  • Hospitalization is rarely required for metaxalone overdose in young children.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism01:24

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism

In pediatric care, understanding the nuances of hepatic drug metabolism is crucial, as it significantly differs from that of adults. This divergence is primarily due to the developmental stage of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which affects how medications are processed in the body. In neonates, for instance, the activity of Phase I enzymes—critical for the initial breakdown of drugs—is markedly reduced, functioning at just 20–40% of the levels seen in adults. This reduction poses a challenge in...
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios01:26

Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios

Pharmaceutical poisoning can occur through various channels, impacting an estimated 2 million hospitalized patients in the U.S. annually with serious adverse drug responses. These scenarios encompass both therapeutic uses, such as drug toxicity, where even standard dosages can lead to severe central nervous system depression, and non-therapeutic exposures, including accidental ingestion by children, and environmental and occupational exposures.Unintentional poisonings often involve exploratory...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion01:26

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion

In pediatric medicine, understanding the renal function and drug elimination nuances is crucial for administering safe and effective treatments. Newborns, in particular, display markedly slower renal functions than adults, profoundly affecting how drugs are cleared from their bodies. This slower drug clearance requires clinicians to extend the dosing intervals for many medications to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity while ensuring therapeutic efficacy.One key area where these adjustments...
Toxidromes: Clinical Features01:30

Toxidromes: Clinical Features

Toxidromes are specific patterns of symptoms resulting from toxic substance exposure. They help in the identification and treatment of poisoning. The symptoms of each toxidrome group indicate poisoning by a certain class of chemicals or drugs.1. Sympathomimetic: Stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. Symptoms include agitation, increased heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), respiratory rate (RR), temperature, and pupil size. Drugs like cocaine and amphetamines, along with tremors and...
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies01:26

Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies

Treatment strategies for poisoning are a critical aspect of emergency medicine, focusing on preventing the absorption of toxins and enhancing their elimination. When a poisoning incident occurs, the first response is to halt exposure and decontaminate the patient, particularly through gastrointestinal (GI) methods if the poison was ingested.Gastrointestinal Decontamination Techniques:Activated charcoal is the cornerstone of GI decontamination. It works through adsorption, binding the toxin to...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...