Cohen V, Jellinek SP, Stansfield L, Truong H, Baseluos C, Marshall JP
Cardiac arrest with residual blindness after overdose of tessalon(R) (benzonatate) perles. [JOURNAL ARTICLE]
J Emerg Med 2009 Nov 4.
Background: The extent to which benzonatate (Tessalon(R)), a structurally similar agent to other local anesthetics including tetracaine and procaine, poses a risk to the public is not fully appreciated as it is still one of the most widely prescribed antitussives available.
Objectives: To report a case of cardiac arrest with residual blindness after Tessalon(R) overdose, review its clinical manifestations, toxicology and management considerations, and describe the need for rational prescribing. Case Report: A 17-year-old woman with no previous medical history presented to the Emergency Department (ED) status post cardiac arrest. One to two hours prior, the patient had ingested at least 10 200-mg Tessalon(R) capsules as part of a suicide attempt. The patient was sedated, intubated, and given magnesium as prophylaxis against recurrent dysrhythmias. Emergent gastric lavage was performed and well tolerated. A 24-h hypothermia protocol with 6-h cooling period was initiated. Toxicological studies, chest radiograph, and a computed tomography scan of the head were all unremarkable. The patient was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for further work-up and supportive care. The patient was extubated and able to follow some commands 1 week post-admission. The patient developed blindness and experienced generalized confabulations, which did not resolve.
Conclusion: Ingestion of Tessalon(R), a seemingly innocuous and widely prescribed antitussive, may pose a risk to patients due to its potential for the rapid development of life-threatening adverse events and limited treatment options in the overdose setting. Rational prescribing and patient education is needed.
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