[Radiological evidence and removal of tablet conglomerates in intoxication with bromide-containing hypnotics...

If large amounts of bromide-containing hypnotics are taken together, the tablets may conglomerate in the stomach. Because of the bromide, this is radiologically demonstrable. Conventional gastric lavage does not remove such conglomerates. In order to prevent long-term late absorption with serious complications such as hypothermia, shock-lung and renal failure, previously only gastrotomy had been an effective treatment. But using gastroscopy with lavage and aspiration, such conglomerates can be removed within one to three hours. Fifteen patients in whom this technique was used were rousable within 24 hours, significantly shortening the period of intoxication. At the same time, complications may be avoided. This is also true in instances where the tablet dosage would otherwise have been fetal.