A case of benzydamine HCL intoxication

Benzydamine HCl is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and is available in mouthwash, dermal cream, aerosol and vaginal douche preparations, besides other compounds administered orally or by otic drops. Acute poisoning with benzydamine HCL is associated with agitation, hallucinations, seizures and rarely somnolence. In this study, we reported a rare case of benzydamine poisoning in a girl who presented with somnolence and visual hallucinations one hour after taking five benzydamine HCL dragees orally equal with 14.7 mg/kg for suicide. An 11 years old girl was brought to our hospital because of visual hallucinations. About 1,5 hours before the admission, she received five benzydamine HCL dragees orally for suicide. Visual hallucinations appeared one hour after ingestion of the drug. She especially mentioned to see snakes and her relatives such as her father who was not in the hospital. On laboratory examination complete blood count, serum electrolytes, renal and liver function tests were normal. The patient was hospitalized with the diagnosis of acute benzydamine HCl intoxication. Gastric lavage was performed and activated charcoal (1 g/kg/dose four doses daily) was given. The hallucinations were resolved and she became symptom and sign free two hours after hospitalization. We suggest that if a patient is presented with somnolence and visual hallucinations, drug intoxication should be considered in the differential diagnosis.