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Case Reports
. 2020;25(7):642-646.
doi: 10.5863/1551-6776-25.7.642.

Arrhythmogenic Antitussive: A Case of Pediatric Benzonatate Overdose With Torsades de Pointes, Cardiac Arrest, and Complete Recovery Without Neurologic Deficits

Mary Billington, Jakub Furmaga, Thomas Schaeffer
Case Reports

Arrhythmogenic Antitussive: A Case of Pediatric Benzonatate Overdose With Torsades de Pointes, Cardiac Arrest, and Complete Recovery Without Neurologic Deficits

Mary Billington et al. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther. 2020.

Abstract

Benzonatate is a commonly prescribed antitussive with rapid and deadly effects in overdose. We report a 14-year-old female who ingested 14 capsules containing 200 mg benzonatate. Her case represents the only reported benzonatate overdose with torsades de pointes, as well as the only reported pediatric benzonatate ingestion complicated by cardiac arrest with full recovery.

Keywords: Tessalon; benzonatate; cardiac arrest; pediatric; torsades de pointes.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure The authors declare no conflicts or financial interest in any product or service mentioned in the manuscript, including grants, equipment, medications, employment, gifts, and honoraria. The authors had full access to all patient information in this report and take responsibility for the integrity and accuracy of the report.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Initial (top) and postdefibrillation (bottom) cardiac rhythm strips.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Structural chemistry of benzonatate and local anesthetics.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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