Acute Ingestions Research Articles

An antidote for propoxyphene HCl.

To the Editor:— The oral administration of activated charcoal may be an effective means for treating acute ingestions of propoxyphene hydrochloride (Darvon). While investigating the adsorption by activated charcoal of drugs and household poisons, we found that 5 gm of activated charcoal (Norit A) will adsorb in vitro a significant amount of propoxyphene hydrochloride, 99% of a 10 capsule dose (320 mg) and 70% of a 30 capsule dose (960 mg). Since there is no known specific treatment for propoxyphene poisoning and many fatalities have resulted from the accidental or purposeful ingestion of this drug, we feel that this mode of therapy may prove useful and possibly lifesaving. We suggest that physicians treating suspected propoxyphene ingestion administer a slurry of 10 gm of activated charcoal by mouth when the patient is first seen, before induction of emesis or gastric lavage. Following stomach emptying, another 10 gm dose should be given

An Antidote for Propoxyphene HCl

To the Editor:— The oral administration of activated charcoal may be an effective means for treating acute ingestions of propoxyphene hydrochloride (Darvon). While investigating the adsorption by activated charcoal of drugs and household poisons, we found that 5 gm of activated charcoal (Norit A) will adsorb in vitro a significant amount of propoxyphene hydrochloride, 99% of a 10 capsule dose (320 mg) and 70% of a 30 capsule dose (960 mg). Since there is no known specific treatment for propoxyphene poisoning and many fatalities have resulted from the accidental or purposeful ingestion of this drug, we feel that this mode of therapy may prove useful and possibly lifesaving. We suggest that physicians treating suspected propoxyphene ingestion administer a slurry of 10 gm of activated charcoal by mouth when the patient is first seen, before induction of emesis or gastric lavage. Following stomach emptying, another 10 gm dose should be given

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS—OBSOLETE CONTAINERS—INEVITABLE POISONINGS

ACUTE ingestions and poisonings are clearly a by-product of rapidly advancing technology, certainly related to aggressive advertising, and completely preventable parts of our tragic twentieth century accident epidemic. These facts are well-known by the pediatrician, whose therapeutic armamentarium does not include an immunizing agent against accidents of any kind. The communication below from Dr. Breault summarizes an impressive community effort. Although safety cap enclosures and more appropriate packaging are not the only answer to the problems of accidental poisoning, such efforts may create an awareness of the dangers, such as has been achieved in the field of automotive safety.