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Sympathomimetic Poisoning, Pediatric

Robert J. Hoffman, MD, MS Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Excess autonomic stimulation by adrenergic agents produces the clinical syndrome typically described as “sympathomimetic.”

  • The sequelae of sympathomimetic overdose are generally neuro...

DIAGNOSIS

  • The clinical effects of these agents’ overdose vary based on their receptor selectivity.

  • Most agents have some degree of combined α- and β-adrenergic activity (ephedrine, pseudoephedrine).

  • Car...

TREATMENT

Managing ABCs should be addressed first, but sympathomimetic toxicity usually does not result in illness requiring any specific airway, breathing, or circulation issues. 

GENERAL MEASURES

Main...

ONGOING CARE

PROGNOSIS

If end-organ damage such as myocardial infarction or CVA is prevented, prognosis for full recovery to premorbid status is excellent. 

COMPLICATIONS

The most common catastrophic com...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Carr BC. Efficacy, abuse, and toxicity of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in the pediatric population. Curr Opin Pediatr.  2006;18(2):184–188. [View Abstract on OvidI...

CODES

ICD9

971.2 Poisoning by sympathomimetics [adrenergics] 

ICD10

  • T44.901A Poisn by unsp drugs aff the autonm nervous sys, acc, init

  • T44.991A Poisoning by oth drug aff the autonm nervous sys, acc, init

  • T...

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