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Over-the-counter kaolin and morphine: two hazards in one
Alison Boland1, Gavin Jonathan Tunnard, Rohit Bazaz
1Harrogate District Hospital, Respiratory, Lancaster Park Road, Harrogate HG2 7SX, UK.
BMJ Case Reports
|March 27, 2012
Summary
Over-the-counter kaolin and morphine, used for diarrhoea, can lead to dependence. This case highlights potential health risks from large quantities of accessible medications.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Internal Medicine
- Clinical Case Reports
Background:
- Diarrhea is a common ailment often treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
- Kaolin and morphine is an accessible OTC agent for symptomatic relief of diarrhea.
- Medication overuse and dependence can occur with readily available drugs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of hypokalemia, hypertension, and metabolic alkalosis.
- To identify the cause as dependence on OTC kaolin and morphine.
- To highlight the risks associated with the large-quantity purchase of OTC medications.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 56-year-old female patient.
- Clinical presentation analysis including electrolyte and acid-base balance.
- Review of medication history and patient's access to OTC drugs.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with hypokalemia, hypertension, and metabolic alkalosis.
- Dependence on kaolin and morphine, an OTC diarrhea treatment, was identified as the underlying cause.
- The case underscores the potential for significant adverse effects from excessive use of accessible OTC medicines.
Conclusions:
- Dependence on OTC kaolin and morphine can lead to severe electrolyte and acid-base disturbances.
- Healthcare providers should be vigilant about potential misuse of OTC medications.
- Regulation and patient education regarding OTC drug quantities and risks are crucial.
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