Synthetic cathinone exposures reported to Texas poison centers

Among the novel classes of synthetic "designer" drugs that have become increasingly popular among recreational drug users are synthetic cathinones. There is limited information on exposures to these substances.

The objective of this investigation was to describe the pattern of synthetic cathinone exposures reported to a statewide poison center network.

Synthetic cathinone exposures reported to Texas poison centers during 2010-2011 were identified and the distribution by various demographic and clinical factors determined.

Of 362 total calls, 84.5% of the patients were 20 years or older and 74.0% male. The route of exposure was 47.8% by inhalation alone and 28.7% by ingestion alone. Other substances were involved in 19.3% of the exposures. The patient was already at or en route to a health-care facility in 75.1% of the exposures. The outcome was serious (moderate, major, potentially toxic, or death) in 74.0% of the exposures. The most frequently reported clinical effects were tachycardia (45.9%), agitation (39.2%), hypertension (21.0%), hallucinations (17.7%), and confusion (13.0%). The most common treatments were IV fluids (53.6%), benzodiazepines (40.9%), oxygen (11.0%), and other sedatives (7.5%).

Synthetic cathinone exposures reported to Texas poison centers tended to occur through inhalation or ingestion, involve adult and male patients, be managed at health-care facilities, and involve potentially serious outcomes.

This study adds to the limited information currently available on synthetic cathinone exposures.