Background: This case describes a newborn who was accidentally given carboprost (Hemabate) 250 micrograms intramuscularly, the largest amount ever reported in a normal newborn.
Case report: A full-term newborn was inadvertently given carboprost rather than his prescribed hepatitis vaccine. Within 15 minutes, he was tachypneic and hypertensive followed by bronchospasms and dystonic movements and/or seizure activity of his upper extremities. He also was hyperthermic and had diarrhea stools. He recovered within 18 hours and was discharged.
Conclusion: The manufacturer reports 2 infants who received lesser amounts and remained asymptomatic. This child exhibited symptoms associated with an overdose of a prostaglandin F2a, although complete recovery occurred within 18 hours.