Severe central nervous system and cardiovascular toxicity in a pediatric patient after ingestion of an over-the-counter local anesthetic

Pediatr Emerg Care. 2009 Oct;25(10):670-3. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0b013e3181b91e8c.

Abstract

Dibucaine is considered one of the most potent and consequently toxic amide anesthetics available, and despite withdrawal from the US market as a spinal anesthetic, it remains accessible as an over-the-counter preparation in the United States. Dibucaine exposures in children are infrequently encountered, but to date, all reported consequential ingestions have resulted in death. We report the first case of a potentially fatal dibucaine-induced wide-complex arrhythmia in a child who survived her clinical course without sequelae. It is our hope that this report will highlight the toxicity of dibucaine and prompt a review of its over-the-counter status. The rationale and success of a new antidote, 20% lipid emulsion, for the management of local anesthetic toxicity is discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anesthetics, Local / poisoning*
  • Cardiovascular System / drug effects*
  • Central Nervous System / drug effects*
  • Dibucaine / poisoning*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Local
  • Dibucaine