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Clonidine transdermal patch poisoning

E M Caravati1, D L Bennett

  • 1Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City.

Annals of Emergency Medicine
|February 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

An infant experienced severe hypotension after exposure to a discarded adult clonidine transdermal patch. Dopamine infusion was necessary to stabilize the infant, highlighting risks associated with transdermal medication disposal.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Pharmacology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Clonidine is an antihypertensive medication often delivered via transdermal patches.
  • Transdermal systems offer continuous drug delivery but pose risks if not properly managed.
  • Accidental exposure, particularly in children, can lead to significant toxicity.

Observation:

  • A case report details an infant's exposure to a clonidine transdermal patch previously worn by an adult for five days.
  • The infant presented with severe hypotension, indicated by a systolic blood pressure of 38 mm Hg.
  • Management required a six-hour dopamine infusion to maintain adequate blood pressure.

Findings:

  • Infant clonidine poisoning occurred due to contact with a discarded transdermal patch.
  • Severe bradycardia and hypotension are key clinical manifestations of clonidine toxicity in infants.
  • Transdermal delivery systems can retain significant amounts of active drug even after prolonged use.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the critical importance of safe disposal practices for transdermal medications.
  • Healthcare providers should counsel patients on the risks of accidental exposure and proper patch disposal.
  • Enhanced poison prevention strategies are needed to mitigate risks associated with potent medications in transdermal formulations.

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