Texas Poison Center Network Research Articles

Epidemiology of lindane exposures for pediculosis reported to Poison Centers in Texas, 1998-2002.

Lindane (gamma-benzene hexachloride), commonly used as a treatment for pediculosis, has been associated with adverse reactions and has recently undergone increased regulation. We sought to describe the patterns of a large number of lindane exposures reported to poison centers in Texas during 1998-2002. Data on all lindane exposures for pediculosis reported to the Texas Poison Center Network were analyzed. There were 528 reported human exposures to lindane for pediculosis. The incidence of lindane exposures has decreased by 52% from 1998 to 2002. Misuse or abuse of lindane was reported in at least 87% of the cases. Of those cases with a known patient age, 45% were less than age 6 yrs, 23% age 6-19 yrs, and 32% over age 19 yrs. Female patients accounted for 55% of reported cases. Of those cases with a known medical outcome, 61% reported no effects. The most frequently reported symptoms were vomiting, nausea, and ocular irritation or ocular pain. The number of reported lindane exposures in Texas is decreasing. The majority of reported exposures involve misuse or abuse of the product. The pattern of symptoms reported in Texas was consistent with the literature.

Adverse Events Associated With Ephedrine-Containing Products— Texas, December 1993-September 1995

During December 1993-September 1995, the Bureau of Food and Drug Safety, Texas Department of Health (TDH), received approximately 500 reports of adverse events in persons who consumed dietary supplement products containing ephedrine and associated alkaloids (pseudoephedrine, norephedrine, and N-methyl ephedrine). This total included reports by individuals and reports identified by the Bureau of Epidemiology, TDH, in a review of records from the six centers of the Texas Poison Center Network. Reported adverse events ranged in severity from tremor and headache to death in eight ephedrine users and included reports of stroke, myocardial infarction, chest pain, seizures, insomnia, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, and dizziness. Seven of the eight reported fatalities were attributed to myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accident. This report describes three patients in which the recommended dosage for the dietary supplements reportedly was not exceeded, summarizes results from ongoing investigations, and underscores the potential health risks associated with the use of products containing ephedrine.