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Human exposures to tilmicosin (MICOTIL)
1Ontario Regional Poison Information Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.
Abstract:
Tilmicosin is a new veterinary antibiotic that has significant cardiovascular toxicity when administered in large doses. Over 30 mo, the Ontario Regional Poison Information Centre at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto collected 36 cases of accidental human exposure to tilmicosin. Analysis of the cases revealed that 75% of the patients were exposed to probably less than 1 mL of tilmicosin, that 72% of exposures resulted from needle punctures, and that local symptoms predominated. Based on the information gathered, it is recommended that patients with accidental exposures of less than 1 mL of tilmicosin be treated symptomatically and do not need to be evaluated in a hospital setting.
Insights
Accidental tilmicosin exposure in humans, primarily from needle-stick injuries, often involves small amounts. Most patients experience local symptoms and do not require hospitalization for exposures under 1 mL.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Accidental Exposure Management
Background:
- Tilmicosin is a veterinary antibiotic with known cardiovascular toxicity at high doses.
- Accidental human exposure to veterinary medications can pose health risks.
- Understanding exposure patterns and outcomes is crucial for clinical guidance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze cases of accidental human exposure to tilmicosin.
- To identify common exposure routes and resulting symptoms.
- To establish evidence-based recommendations for managing tilmicosin exposures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series analysis of 36 accidental tilmicosin exposures.
- Data collected by the Ontario Regional Poison Information Centre over 30 months.
- Categorization of exposure volume, route, and clinical presentation.
Main Results:
- 75% of exposures involved less than 1 mL of tilmicosin.
- Needle punctures accounted for 72% of all exposures.
- Predominant symptoms were localized at the exposure site.
Conclusions:
- Accidental tilmicosin exposures, particularly small volumes (<1 mL), primarily cause local symptoms.
- Symptomatic treatment is recommended for minor tilmicosin exposures.
- Hospital evaluation is generally not necessary for accidental exposures under 1 mL.