Related Experiment Videos
Poisoning due to Chinese proprietary medicines
1Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories.
Human & Experimental Toxicology
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Chinese proprietary medicines (CPM) used for self-poisoning in Hong Kong generally have low toxicity. Wintergreen oil (methyl salicylate) containing CPM were exceptions, showing higher toxicity in adult patients.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Chinese proprietary medicines (CPM) are frequently used in self-poisoning incidents among adults in Hong Kong.
- Understanding the toxic potential of commonly used CPM is crucial for clinical management and public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the toxic potentials of Chinese proprietary medicines (CPM) commonly implicated in adult self-poisoning cases in Hong Kong.
- To identify specific CPM formulations or ingredients associated with significant toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of patients admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital between January 1988 and December 1993.
- Inclusion criteria: adult patients admitted for self-poisoning.
- Data collected included patient demographics, substances ingested, symptoms, and plasma concentrations of specific toxins.
Main Results:
- A total of 71 patients (54 women, 17 men) were studied, with ages ranging from 15 to 86 years.
- Topical medicaments and CPM tablets/capsules were ingested by 72% and 24% of patients, respectively.
- Elevated plasma salicylate and paracetamol levels were detected in some patients; wintergreen oil (methyl salicylate) containing CPM were linked to higher toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Most Chinese proprietary medicines (CPM) involved in self-poisoning in Hong Kong exhibit low to moderate toxicity.
- CPM containing wintergreen oil (methyl salicylate) represent a notable exception, posing a higher toxic risk.
- All studied patients recovered fully, indicating effective medical management.