Cyanide poisonings associated with over-the-counter medication - Washington State, 1991
Article Abstract:
The most recent outbreak of tampering with over-the-counter medicines occurred in Washington state. Before this episode nine deaths had occurred (in 1982 and 1986) as a result of product tampering, all with cyanide. These cases resulted in the development of tamper-proof packaging. However, in February 1991, three people suffered cyanide poisoning after taking Sudafed R 12-hour capsules, which have four tamper-resistant features; two of the patients died. The plastic capsules are sealed with a band and placed individually in a blister pack, which is sealed with a safety tab that must be broken to get into the box. Both the box and the pack are identified with code numbers, which should be the same. In three of the four packages containing cyanide the packaging had been compromised, and in all four, the code numbers did not match. Sudafed is manufactured by the Burroughs Wellcome Company. Cyanide is one of the strongest and fastest poisons known, and can produce death within a few minutes after being ingested. It damages cells in the brain stem, causing respiratory arrest. Cyanide poisoning is treated by administering sodium nitrite to bind free cyanide. Current safeguards against poisonings must be reevaluated, and consumers should carefully examine medication and its packaging. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1991
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Poisonings associated with illegal use of aldicarb as a rodenticide - New York City, 1994-1997
Article Abstract:
Twenty-five cases of poisoning by the pesticide aldicarb were reported in New York, NY between 1994 and 1997. The poison is found in Tres Pasitos, a rodenticide from the Dominican Republic sold illegally in New York. Aldicarb causes a rapid heart rate, muscle contractions and difficulty breathing. Patients required ventilator support and the drug atropine to counteract the effects. Public education is underway in New York, and physicians should consider this agent when evaluating cases of rodenticide poisoning.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1997
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Use of Carbon Monoxide alarms to prevent poisonings during a power outage - North Carolina, December 2002
Article Abstract:
Approximately 500 people die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning each year in the United States. North Carolina adopted a carbon Monoxide alarm whose characteristics and effectiveness have been explained.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2004
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