Aggressive management of intra-arterial Temazepam injection

Intravenous injection of the oral formulation of Temazepam is a common form of drug abuse. At the request of the Home Office, manufacturers have developed solid dose forms to replace the liquid filled capsules, but a number of cases of accidental intra-arterial injection of the new formulation have been reported, with varying management strategies advocated. A case is presented where prompt aggressive management using surgical and pharmacological measures resulted in complete limb salvage. Previous reported cases and management options are discussed.