Methylene chloride inhalation: an unusual form of drug abuse

Methylene chloride is a chlorinated hydrocarbon used widely in home and industry. Its intentional abuse has not been reported previously. We describe the case of a 14-year-old boy who presented with lethargy, nausea, and chills six hours after the intentional inhalation of a household product containing methylene chloride. The patient's elevated carboxyhemoglobin level responded well to 100% oxygen therapy. The pathophysiology and treatment of methylene chloride are discussed.