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Unintentional overdose of hyoscine hydrobromide in a young child

Gerd Xuereb1, Thomas Calleja2, Janine Borg2

  • 1Foundation Programme Malta, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta gerdxuereb@gmail.com.

BMJ Case Reports
|February 14, 2020
PubMed

Insights

A young child experienced severe symptoms, including hallucinations and confusion, after accidentally overdosing on hyoscine hydrobromide. This case highlights the risks of pediatric hyoscine hydrobromide overdose and the need for childproof packaging.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Toxicology
  • Clinical Case Reports

Background:

  • Hyoscine hydrobromide, an over-the-counter medication, is readily accessible.
  • Attractive packaging of hyoscine hydrobromide poses a risk for unintentional pediatric ingestion.

Observation:

  • A 4-year-old girl presented with confusion, ataxia, and hallucinations 3 hours post-ingestion of 108 μg/kg hyoscine hydrobromide.
  • The patient was hypotensive, tachycardic, and exhibited QTc prolongation on ECG.
  • Persistent visual and auditory hallucinations were observed and resolved spontaneously.

Findings:

  • This is the first reported case of hyoscine hydrobromide overdose in such a young child.
  • Pediatric overdose of hyoscine hydrobromide can manifest with significant psychiatric symptoms.
  • Accidental ingestions in young children can lead to serious adverse effects.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should be aware of potential psychiatric manifestations in pediatric hyoscine hydrobromide overdose.
  • There is a critical need to improve the child-resistance of hyoscine hydrobromide packaging.
  • Enhanced public health awareness regarding the dangers of pediatric medication overdose is essential.

Keywords:
SafetyToxicologyUnwanted effects/adverse reactionspaediatricspharmacology and therapeutics

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