Laxative-induced Status Epilepticus

Abstract

Letters to the EditorLaxative-induced Status Epilepticus H. N. Ranganath, MD Shamin A. Siddiqui, and MD Nabeel NezamuddinFRCSE H. N. Ranganath Al-Shaty Teaching Hospital, P.O. Box 17271, Jeddah 21484, Saudi Arabia Search for more papers by this author , Shamin A. Siddiqui Al-Shaty Teaching Hospital, P.O. Box 17271, Jeddah 21484, Saudi Arabia Search for more papers by this author , and Nabeel Nezamuddin Al-Shaty Teaching Hospital, P.O. Box 17271, Jeddah 21484, Saudi Arabia Search for more papers by this author Published Online:1 Mar 1990https://doi.org/10.5144/0256-4947.1990.223SectionsPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload citationTrack citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail AboutIntroductionTo the Editor: We report a case of laxative-induced status epilepticus in a 5-month-old male child. The child was first brought to the emergency room in a drowsy state following administration of 9 drops of Guttalax (a contact laxative preparation) for his constipation given 6 hours before. The prescribed dosage for children between the ages of 2 to 12 years is 2 to 5 drops, diluted in water.Three hours later, after the child had been admitted to the pediatric ward with a diagnosis of drug overdose, convulsions occurred that were successfully stopped by the administration of valium (2 mg, intravenously) after 2 minutes. The child had no history of convulsions, nor was there any family history of seizures. One hour later, status epilepticus developed that lasted for approximately two hours, and required repeated doses of intravenously administered valium and intramuscularly administered phenobarbital before ceasing.Following this, the patient’s condition improved over 24 hours, and he was discharged home 5 days later with no further episodes of convulsions.The child was evaluated for possible electrolyte imbalance, metabolic disorders, and infection as the source of the convulsions, but all results of laboratory tests, including repeat biochemical tests and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, were normal. Electroencephalogram and computed tomographic scan of the head were also normal.Guttalax (picosulfate sodium) is a common contact laxative. Taken by mouth, it stimulates bowel movements, following hydrolysis by colonic bacteria.1 Cardiac and renal side effects have been reported, but no central nervous system complications have been recorded.ARTICLE REFERENCES:1. Martindale W. The Extra Pharmacopoeia, ed 28. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1982;1368-9. Google Scholar Previous article Next article FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 10, Issue 2March 1990 Metrics History Published online1 March 1990 InformationCopyright © 1990, Annals of Saudi MedicinePDF download