[Age and gender trends of inpatient recreational acute dextromethorphan intoxication hospitalized in Pomeranian Center of Toxicology between 2009-2011]

Przegl Lek. 2014;71(9):488-90.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a derivative of codeine with an antitussive properties. Acute poisonings with this drug are related to serious, often life-threatening clinical symptoms. In the last decade the number of DXM poisonings increased and the problem was particularly noticeable among adolescents. The aim of this study was to analyze selected demographic and clinical parameters of patients who were hospitalized due to DXM poisoning in Pomeranian Centre of Toxicology between 2009-2011. The study included 170 individuals which was 2.7% of all admissions in this period. In 2009 and 2010, the proportion of patients poisoned with DXM did not exceed 1.5%, while in the years 2011- 2013 it tripled and reached up to 3.5%. The age of patients ranged from 12 to 42 (mean 18) years. Women were more frequently hospitalized. The dose of ingested DXM ranged from 150 to 2700 (mean 588.7) mg. The analysis revealed that the dose of ingested DXM was increasing with the age of patients.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Child
  • Dextromethorphan / poisoning*
  • Drug Overdose / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Hospitalization / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Poisoning / epidemiology*
  • Poland / epidemiology
  • Recreation
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Dextromethorphan