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01-03-2004 | Original Research Article

Medications That Can Be Fatal For a Toddler with One Tablet or Teaspoonful

A 2004 Update

Authors: Benjamin Bar-Oz, Zina Levichek, Dr Gideon Koren

Published in: Pediatric Drugs | Issue 2/2004

Abstract

Objective: To provide an updated list of the highly toxic medications in North America that can kill a 10kg toddler upon ingestion of 1–2 dose units.

Methods: All drugs available in North America were reviewed and their reported lethal doses in children or adults (where no pediatric data existed) were identified. The dose units of drugs available in North America were subsequently identified, followed by those dose units that could kill a toddler upon ingestion of 1–2 dose units or teaspoonfuls.

Results: Tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, quinine derivatives, calcium channel blockers, opioids, and oral hypoglycemics can kill a toddler with 1–2 dose units. This list of drugs was responsible for 40% of toddler fatalities reported to the American Association of Poison Control Center Toxic Exposure Surveillance System between 1990–2000.

Conclusion: Drugs that can kill a toddler with 1–2 dose units should be known to clinicians as such exposures warrant immediate and intensive management. A new system of special labeling of these drugs should be considered.

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Title: Medications That Can Be Fatal For a Toddler with One Tablet or Teaspoonful
A 2004 Update
Authors: Benjamin Bar-Oz
Zina Levichek
Dr Gideon Koren
Publication date: 01-03-2004
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: Pediatric Drugs / Issue 2/2004
Print ISSN: 1174-5878
Electronic ISSN: 1179-2019
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00148581-200406020-00005

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Medications That Can Be Fatal For a Toddler with One Tablet or Teaspoonful

A 2004 Update

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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