Vol 10, Issue 1 - Utah Poison Control Center
Transcription
Vol 10, Issue 1 - Utah Poison Control Center
Official Newsletter of the Utah Poison Control Center 2008 • Volume 10 • Issue 1 The University of Utah Utah Poison Control Center I n t h i s i s s ue Hydrogen Peroxide by Stacie Rabe, PharmD Hydrogen Peroxide Introduction In July 2006, the FDA warned consumers not to ingest high concentration (35%) or ‘Food Grade’ hydrogen peroxide because it can cause ill health effects and even death.1 This warning was in response to health claims that promoted the use of ‘Food Grade’ hydrogen peroxide to cure diseases such as cancer, AIDS, and multiple sclerosis. The use of ‘Food Grade’ hydrogen peroxide to cure diseases has also been called ‘hyperoxygenation therapy’.2 ‘Food Grade’ hydrogen peroxide is available for purchase at health food stores and online retailers. Various routes of administration are recommended by retailers and include ingestion, topical application, IV infusion and enemas.3 Pharmacology Hydrogen peroxide is a topical antiseptic and disinfectant in concentrations less than 6%. It can be applied to the skin or used as an oral rinse. It should not be used in the Sympathomimetics M44 Sodium Cyanide Outreach Education Meet the UPCC Staff: Barbara Crouch eye, or on large areas of the body, puncture wounds, or burned skin.4 It is also an oxidizing agent and releases oxygen when it comes into contact with tissue. The amount of oxygen released depends on the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. One ml of 3% solution releases 10 ml oxygen, whereas one ml of 35% solution releases 100 mL of oxygen.5 Adverse Effects & Toxicology Concentrated solutions (> 10%) are used for bleaching paper and textiles, manufacturing other chemicals, as a food preservative and for the production of rocket fuel. Toxicity can occur following ingestion, skin or mucous membrane exposure, inhalation and wound irrigation. The severity of toxicity is dependent on the route and duration of exposure, and the concentration of the solution. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide used in “hyperoxygenation” therapy varies depending on the route of administration. Topical application is typically 3%, IV administration is usually 0.075%, and the concentration recommended for ingestion is 35%.3 Proponents of hyperoxygenation therapy recommend diluting the peroxide in drinks, such as juice and water.2 They also recommend storing a small bottle of the hydrogen peroxide in the refrigerator,3 a contributing factor to unintentional exposures.6 A study performed by the Utah Poison Control (cont. on pg. 2) Sympathomimetics by Andrea Chan, PharmD Candidate Introduction Nasal decongestants belong to the pharmacological class of sympathomimetic amines, which are structurally similar to adrenaline and include: phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylephrine. These agents have historically been marketed in both single and combination products primarily for the relief of symptoms related to colds and allergies. Availability Phenylpropanolamine was marketed orally in nasal decongestants and weight loss products. In 2000, the final report of the Hemorrhagic Stroke Project identified phenylpropanolamine as an independent risk factor for hemorrhagic stroke in women.1 In November 2000, the FDA requested manufacturers to voluntarily remove phenylpropanolamine from all drug products. Subsequently, the FDA advisory panel on nonprescription medications reviewed the data from the Hemorrhagic Stroke Project and recommended that phenylpropanolamine be reclassified as not safe for over-the-counter (OTC) use.2 The proposed rule for public comment was published in December 2005. Pseudoephedrine is available orally as a nasal decongestant. It has been used illicitly as a precursor in the production of methamphetamine. In efforts to try to control (cont. on pg. 3) A program of the University of Utah College of Pharmacy TOXICOLOGY TODAY 1 O ut r eac h e d ucatio n Education Material Highlight The UPCC worked collaboratively with a pediatric resident to develop a new brochure. The brochure title, “In Your Hands or Out Of Reach,” is a reminder that potential poisons should be put away when not in use. This brochure includes a list of common potential poisons from around the home, helpful hints to prevent poisonings, and a household checklist, and is available in English and Spanish. It was reviewed by pediatric healthcare providers and parents. We are excited to share the new product with you. If you would like copies to distribute, you may order it using the order form on our website: www. utahpoisoncontrol. org under Education and Prevention > Education Materials link or call 1-800-222-1222. (cont. from pg. 1) of hydrogen peroxide.3 Inhalation of concentrated solutions has resulted in pulmonary edema, coma and seizures.4 Hydrogen Peroxide Center reviewed 325 hydrogen peroxide exposures reported over a 36 month period. Most of the exposures were from ingestion (85%), less severe outcomes were associated with concentrations < 10% (compared to > 10%) and the only severe outcomes (or death) were from ingestion of 35% hydrogen peroxide.6 Common symptoms from ingestion of 3% hydrogen peroxide are vomiting, mild abdominal pain and bloating.4 As a strong oxidizer, it is corrosive and can cause severe burns to the GI mucosa, mucus membranes, skin and eyes.4 Systemic effects after ingestion are due to the oxygen gas that is released, which can cause massive gastric distention, perforation and gas embolism to various organs causing life-threatening tissue ischemia.4 Following oral ingestion a patient may present with white discoloration of the skin around the mouth, vomiting blood or foam, abdominal pain and bloating, seizures, gastric mucosal hemorrhage and edema.7 Symptoms of a gas embolism include rapidly deteriorating mental status, cyanosis, respiratory failure, seizures, and ischemic EKG changes.7 A MRI of the brain can be used to assess for anoxic brain injury.8 Skin exposure to 35% can result in blistering and necrosis. Embolic complications have resulted from bowel and wound irrigation.4 Acute hemolytic anemia, air embolism, hemorrhage and death have been reported following IV infusions In Your Hands or Out of Reach Preventing Accidents Poison Control Update Conference May 29th, 2008 and june 5th, 2008 The Utah Poison Control Center is offering regional update conferences in Salt Lake on May 29th and Richfield on June 5th. The goal is to provide a forum for health professionals and other public health advocates to improve their knowledge and understanding of current poisoning issues, including: Trends in prescription and OTC drug abuse, recent poisonings in the news, and education tools for high risk populations. ACPE, CHES, and UNA continuing education credits will be available. Registration is due by April 18th. Visit our website for the Update Conference Registration Brochure www.utahpoisoncontrol.org Treatment Topical exposures should be thoroughly irrigated with water. Decontamination with activated charcoal is not recommended. There is a high risk of aspiration, charcoal does not bind hydrogen peroxide and administration will make endoscopic evaluation more difficult. Nasogastric aspiration can potentially remove large volumes of hydrogen peroxide if the patient presents immediately after exposure. Patients with abdominal distention from oxygen liberation should be treated with nasogastric suctioning. A chest or abdominal x-ray can be used to look for gas emboli. There are case reports that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is helpful in treating hydrogen peroxide associated gas emboli.5 Patients who are asymptomatic can be released after 6 hours. Patients who experienced any cardiac or pulmonary symptoms should be admitted and observed for 24 to 72 hours. TOXICOLOGY TODAY References 1. http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ NEWS/2006/NEW01420.html. Last accessed August 2006. 2. http://educate-yourself.org/cancer/ benefitsofhydrogenperozide17jul03.html. 3. Green S. Oxygentation Therapy: Unproven treatments for cancer and AIDS. http://www.quackwatch. org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/Cancer/ oxygen. Last accessed August 2006. 4. Micromedex® Healthcare Series, Thomson Micromedex, Greenwood Village, Colorado (Edition expires [9/2006]). 5. Flomenbaum N, Goldfrank L. Goldfrank’s Toxicologic Emergencies 8th edition, New York: McGraw-Hill Publishing, 2006:1386-1387. 6. Dickson KF, Caravati EM: Hydrogen peroxide exposure- 325 exposures reported to a regional poison control center. 1994 Clin Tox;32(6)705-714. 7. Giberson TP, Kern JD: Near-fatal hydrogen peroxide ingestion. Ann Emerg Med 1989;18:778-779. 8. Cannon G, Caravati EM. Hydrogen peroxide neurotoxicity in childhood: case report with unique magnetic resonance image. J of Child Neurology 2003;18:805-808. A publication for Health Professionals. 2 (cont. from pg. 1) Sympathomimetics methamphetamine manufacturing, the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 restricts pseudoephedrine, as well as phenylpropanolamine and ephedrine, to be sold “behind the counter” in limited amounts (3.6 grams per day or 9 grams per 30 days) requiring photo identification with each purchase.3 As a result, manufacturers have reformulated many pseudoephedrine containing products with phenylephrine, which cannot be converted to methamphetamine. Phenylephrine has replaced pseudoephedrine as the most commonly available nasal decongestant in a variety of non-prescription cough and cold preparations. The safety and effectiveness of phenylephrine was the subject of a recent FDA nonprescription drug advisory committee meeting. Pharmacology Phenylpropanolamine and phenylephrine are sympathomimetic amines that work by direct stimulation of alpa1-adrenergic receptors. Pseudoephedrine has both direct and indirect alpha and beta (greater affinity) adrenergic activity. These agents are used as nasal decongestants and work by acting directly on alpha-adrenergic receptors in the mucosa of swollen nasal membranes resulting in vasoconstriction and decreased nasal congestion. In general, sympathomimetic amines have both cardiac and central nervous system stimulatory properties. Common adverse effects include excitability, restlessness, anxiety, dizziness, tremor and hypertension. Tachycardia is common with pseudoephedrine, whereas reflex bradycardia may occur with phenylpropanolamine and phenylephrine. Safety There has been much attention to the risk for serious and life-threatening cardiac and CNS events associated with sympathomimetic agents beginning with phenylpropanolamine. In 2004, the FDA banned ephedra alkaloids in dietary supplements due to unreasonable cardiac and CNS risks. Pseudoephedrine, a stereoisomer, of ephedrine, has also been associated with myocardial infarction.4 A recent FDA nonprescription drug advisory committee meeting focused on the safety and efficacy of phenylephrine. A report of the outcome of that committee meeting has not yet been published. Along with concerns about individual decongestants, the FDA has been evaluating information about the safety and efficacy of OTC cough and cold preparations in general in the pediatric population. On January 17, 2008 the FDA issued a public health advisory recommending avoiding use of OTC cough and cold preparations in children under 2 years of age.5 The FDA is currently evaluating the safety of OTC cough and cold preparations in children 2-11 years of age. Many manufacturers have voluntarily withdrawn OTC cough and cold preparations marketed for children under the age of 2 years. The public health advisory followed review of serious side effects reported in children and the recommendations of the FDA nonprescription advisory board. OTC medications that were marketed prior to 1962 are approved under a monograph approved by therapeutic class. Medications included in OTC monographs are generally considered safe and effective although they do not undergo the same rigorous evaluation as a prescription or OTC product approved through a new drug application. Rigorous evaluation of safety and efficacy of individual drugs in all age groups is not generally available. Summary Sympathomimetic nasal decongestants are available to consumers in many different OTC cold remedies as single and combination products. They may be perceived as safe to the public because of their OTC status. While the risk of serious and lifethreatening adverse events with OTC decongestants is rare, no drug is completely safe. Clinicians should be aware of the risks and benefits of OTC nasal decongestants and report any serious adverse reactions or toxicity to the poison control center and/or through the FDA MedWatch program. M - 4 4 S odi u m C Y a n id e The United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Bureau of Wildlife Services would like us to remind you that the M-44 sodium cyanide device is used in Utah. The device is tubular and is placed in the ground with 1.5 inches sticking out of the ground baited with meat. This device is used in specific situations to control coyotes, redfox, gray fox and wild dogs. The purpose of the device is to protect livestock, poultry, and endangered species and to prevent the spread of disease. Although this device is primarily used on private lands, it may also be used on federal land in any county in the state. Areas where it is used are marked with signs. While human exposure to this device would be extremely unlikely, it is important to know that this device contains 91% sodium cyanide. Please report any exposure to this device to the Utah Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222. We thank you in advance for your assistance. telecommunications And the upcc All “emergency” calls to the UPCC are recorded. The digital recording becomes part of the patient’s medical record. Digital recordings are valuable in training new employees and are an integral part of our continuous quality improvement program. References 1. Kernan WN, Viscoli CM, Brass LM, et al. Phenylpropanolamine and the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. N Eng J Med. 2000; 343:1826-1832. 2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) Information Page. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/ppa/default.htm. Accessed August 27, 2007. 3. US Department of Justice Office of Diversion Control. Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act 2005. Available at: http:///www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/meth. Accessed April 3, 2008 4. Manini AF, Kabrhel C, Thomsen TW. Acute myocardial infarction after over-the-counter use of pseudoephedrine. Ann Emerg Med 2005;45:213-6. 5. US Food and Drug Administration. Public Health Advisory Nonprescrption Cough and Cold Medicine Use in Children. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/advisory/ cough_cold_2008.htm. Accessed January 25, 2008. www.utahpoisoncontrol.org TOXICOLOGY TODAY 3 M eet t h e upcc s ta f f Toxins in the news Fentanyl Patch Deaths: Deaths and life-threatening events have occurred in opioid-naive patients and when opioid-tolerant patients have applied more patches than prescribed, changed the patch too frequently, and exposed the patch to a heat source. Barbara Insley Crouch, Pharmd, msph joined the UPCC in 1990. Since 1992 she has served as the UPCC director. She received her BS in Pharmacy from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, her PharmD jointly administered by the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy. She completed a Clinical Toxicology Fellowship at the Maryland Poison Center, University of Sudden Hearing Loss from Erectile Dysfunction Drugs: Maryland School of Pharmacy. She received a masters of science Acute hearing loss with occasional tinnitus, vertigo, or dizziness in public health from the University of Utah. Prior to moving has been reported in patients taking erectile dysfunction drugs to Utah she worked at the Delaware Valley Regional Poison (PDE5 inhibitors: Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil) and Control Center and the San Francisco Bay Area Regional Poison Levitra (vardenafil). In most cases the hearing loss involved one ear, and about a third of the time it was temporary. Control Center. She is also a faculty member in the Department http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2007/safety07.htm#PDE5 of Pharmacotherapy, University of Utah College of Pharmacy where she also serves as vice-chair. When not working she enjoys Biphosphonates Associated Pain: Severe bone, joint, or muscle pain has occurred in patients taking bisphosphonates. The pain cooking, exercise, reading, snowshoeing, skiing, hiking and may occur within days, months, or years after starting the drug. camping. Favorite poisoning topics: inhalants, non-prescription drugs of abuse, salicylates and dietary supplements. http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#Bisphosphonates Fentanyl Buccal Tablets (Fentora): Life-threatening respiratory depression can occur in patients who are not opioidtolerant. It should not be prescribed for acute or postoperative pain, headaches, or post-traumatic pain. Patients should never take more than two doses to treat an episode of breakthrough pain. Fentora cannot be substituted for Actiq on a mcg-for-mcg basis. http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2007/safety07.htm#Fentora Utah Poison Control Center Staff Director Barbara Insley Crouch, PharmD, MSPH Medical Director E. Martin Caravati, MD, MPH Associate Medical Director Douglas E. Rollins, MD, PhD Assistant Directors Heather Bennett, MPA Scott Marshall, PharmD, CSPI* Administrative Assistant Julie Gerstner Specialists in Poison Information Kathleen T. Anderson, PharmD, CSPI* Michael Andrus, PharmD Bradley D. Dahl, PharmD,CSPI* Michael L. Donnelly, RN, BSN, CSPI* Craig Graham, RN, BSN Mo Mulligan, RN, BSN, JD Ed Moltz, RN, BSN, CSPI* Sandee Oliver, RN, BSN, CSPI* Micah Redmond, RN, BSN Cathie Smith, RN, BSN John Stromness, BS Pharm, RPh, CSPI* Poison Information Providers Megan Glanville Monique Hall Christine Holman Karen Thomas Outreach Education Provider Marty C. Malheiro, MS, CHES Assistant Education Provider Sherri Pace, BS, CHES Editors E. Martin Caravati, MD, MPH Barbara Insley Crouch, PharmD, MSPH Please send comments and suggestions for future articles to the editor of Toxicology Today at: Thank You The Utah Poison Control Center expresses its sincere thanks to the health care professionals, public health officials and toxicology colleagues that work together to treat and prevent poisonings. 585 Komas Dr., Suite 200 Salt Lake City, Utah 84108 Or send e-mail to [email protected] *CSPI denotes Certified Specialist in Poison Information. Administrative: (801) 587-0600 TOXICOLOGY TODAY 4