Delayed sudden death after ingestion of MCPP and ioxynil: an unusual presentation of hormonal weedkiller intoxication

A patient who died in asystole less than 18 h after ingestion of 'Clovercide Extra', a combination hormonal weedkiller containing ioxynil and 4-chloro-2-methyl phenoxypropionic acid, is described. Previous reports describe coma as an early event following ingestion of these herbicides. In contrast our patient, although showing other characteristic features, including metabolic acidosis, tachycardia, pupillary constriction and pyrexia, remained conscious until the terminal event. Absence of coma does not appear to be related to a more favourable outcome.