COCAINE TOXICITY AFTER LARYNGOSCOPY IN AN INFANT

Main Article Content

Massoud Rezvani
Dawn Hartfield

Keywords

Cocaine toxicity, pediatric patients, topical cocaine

Abstract

Iatrogenic cocaine toxicity was observed in a 5.5-month -old male who received intranasal cocaine as a topical  anesthetic  for  laryngoscopy.  He  became  agitated,  diaphoretic,  tachycardic,  and  hypertensive shortly following the procedure. To control his signs and symptoms, he required 3 doses of IV lorazepam. Systemic  absorption  and  toxicity  can  vary  amongst  individuals,  making  it  difficult  to  determine appropriate dosing. The maximum dose of 1 mg/kg in children has not been validated and toxicity may appear at a much lower dose in certain individuals. Pediatric patients receiving topical cocaine as an anesthetic must be given the lowest possible dose, and then carefully monitored for signs of systemic absorption.

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