Citation

Sener S, Ozsarac M. Emerg. Med. J. 2006; 23(1): 82-85.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/emj.2004.017301

PMID

16373816

PMCID

PMC2564142

Abstract

Rivastigmine, which has been approved by the US Food and Drugs Administration for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, is a non-competitive reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase. We present a case of rivastigmine toxicity at a dose of 90 mg, with evidence of respiratory depression. To our knowledge, this case report provides evidence of the highest rivastigmine ingestion recorded (90 mg) that caused respiratory depression but requiring only supportive intervention without the need for ralidoxime. Emergency physicians should strongly consider cholinesterase inhibitor (rivastigmine, galantamine, and tacrine) ingestion in patients who present with short and temporary organophosphate-like toxidromes.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Cholinesterase Inhibitors; Humans; Male; Neuroprotective Agents; Phenylcarbamates; Respiratory Insufficiency; Rivastigmine; Suicide, Attempted