Posted by KimberlyDi on November 24, 2003, at 15:06:44
In reply to Disulfiram / Antabuse overdose, posted by NikkiT2 on November 24, 2003, at 12:47:02
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Disulfiram (Antabuse) plus even small amounts of alcohol produces flushing, throbbing in head and neck, throbbing headache, respiratory difficulty, nausea, copious vomiting, sweating, thirst, chest pain, palpitation, dyspnea, hyperventilation, tachycardia, hypotension, syncope, marked uneasiness, weakness, vertigo, blurred vision, and confusion. In severe reactions, there may be respiratory depression, cardiovascular collapse, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, acute congestive heart failure, unconsciousness, convulsions, and death. The intensity of the reaction may vary with each individual but is generally proportional to the amount of disulfiram and alcohol ingested. In the sensitive individual, mild reactions may occur when the blood alcohol concentration is increased to as little as 5 to 10 mg/100 mL. At a concentration of 50 mg/100 mL symptoms are usually fully developed, and when the concentration reaches 125 to 150 mg/100 mL unconsciousness may occur.
The duration of the reaction is variable, from 30 to 60 minutes in mild cases, up to several hours in more severe cases or as long as there is alcohol remaining in the blood. In severe reactions, supportive measures to restore blood pressure and treat shock should be instituted. Other measures such as the administration of oxygen or carbogen (95% oxygen, 5% carbon dioxide), massive i.v. doses of vitamin C (1 g), ephedrine sulfate, or antihistamines i.v. might be indicated. Potassium levels should be monitored particularly in patients on digitalis since hypokalemia has been reported.
poster:KimberlyDi
thread:283232
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031121/msgs/283263.html