Cough elixir overdose causing toxic leuco-encephalopathy and serotonin syndrome

Acute toxic leukoencephalopathy and serotonin syndrome are rare neurological complications associated with various drugs and toxins, some of which overlap. However, the co-occurrence of these conditions is poorly documented. We present the case of a 14-year-old boy who suddenly developed altered consciousness and autonomic dysfunction after consuming excessive quantities of cough remedies containing dextromethorphan, chlorphenamine, dichlorobenzyl alcohol, and amylmetacreson. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed distinct white matter lesions. With supportive care, the patient rapidly improved, and the magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities disappeared. The swift resolution, typical magnetic resonance imaging findings, and a history of exposure to drugs affecting the central nervous system's serotonergic system suggested concurrent acute toxic leukoencephalopathy and serotonin syndrome. The components of cough medications can be hazardous in overdose due to their potential to enhance serotonin toxicity and cause direct or indirect central nervous system white matter damage. Early recognition and appropriate treatment are essential for recovery.

Medienart:

E-Artikel

Erscheinungsjahr:

2024

Erschienen:

2024

Enthalten in:

Zur Gesamtaufnahme - volume:54

Enthalten in:

Tropical doctor - 54(2024), 1 vom: 06. Jan., Seite 53-55

Sprache:

Englisch

Beteiligte Personen:

Asranna, Ajay [VerfasserIn]
Kulanthaivelu, Karthik [VerfasserIn]
Ramakrishnan, Subasree [VerfasserIn]
Raghavendra, Kenchiah [VerfasserIn]

Links:

Volltext

Themen:

Case Reports
Cough medication
Dextromethorphan
Journal Article
Serotonin syndrome
Substance use disorder
Toxic leukoencephalopathy

Anmerkungen:

Date Completed 15.01.2024

Date Revised 15.01.2024

published: Print-Electronic

Citation Status MEDLINE

doi:

10.1177/00494755231209393

funding:

Förderinstitution / Projekttitel:

PPN (Katalog-ID):

NLM363917446