[Poisoning with amitraz, an agricultural anti-ectoparasitic agent]

A mentally handicapped male aged 22 years ingested 25-100 ml of the agricultural anti-ectoparasite product amitraz (Taktic) (at most 12.5 g amitraz), and went into coma approx. one hour later (Glasgow coma score: 3). Gastric lavage was performed and activated charcoal and sodium sulphate deposited in the stomach. Product information could be obtained from the manufacturers in the United Kingdom with some trouble, 1.5 hours after admission. It was striking how little information is available concerning the toxicity of agricultural products. Patient had recovered the next day; he was discharged three days after admission. Blood assay 1.5 hours after ingestion revealed a concentration of amitraz plus metabolites of 3.7 micrograms/ml; when the patient came out of coma it was < 0.67 microgram/ml.