Abstract: SA-PO035
When Overdose With Doxylamine Leads to Severe Rhabdomyolysis and Renal Failure That Requires Hemodialysis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Session Information
- AKI: Important, Yet Underappreciated Causes
November 05, 2022 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Orange County Convention Center‚ West Building
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Acute Kidney Injury
- 102 AKI: Clinical‚ Outcomes‚ and Trials
Authors
- Bhutta, Salman, Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow, New York, United States
- Mahmoudzadeh, Samaan, UCI Health, Orange, California, United States
- Cadet, Bair, Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow, New York, United States
Introduction
Antihistamines such as doxylamine, represent common components of over-the-counter sleep-inducing agents. The easy availability of these substances increases the potential for both intentional overdose by adults and inadvertent ingestion by children. Doxylamine overdose has increased in recent years due to its availability as an over-the-counter drug commonly used as a nighttime sleep aid. Clinical studies describe symptoms of severe doxylamine intoxication such as rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, impaired consciousness, seizures, and cardiopulmonary arrest
Case Description
A 52 year old male with a history of HTN and opioid dependence presented with acute onset right-sided weakness, numbness, right buttock pain, nausea, and vomiting. He reported taking 30 tablets of doxylamine the night prior to presentation due to difficulty sleeping. Upon admission, patient's labs showed elevated creatinine kinase >100,000, blood urea nitrogen/Creatinine 71/5.8, aspartate aminotransferase 2170, alanine aminotransferase 536, and phosphate 7.9. Patient was admitted to the medical intensive care unit (MICU) for severe rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure, and acute liver failure secondary to doxylamine overdose. He received n-acetylcysteine for acute liver failure and was started on aggressive IV hydration. He remained oliguric and a hemodialysis catheter was placed on hospital day (HD) 1 for emergent dialysis. Throughout the hospital stay, patient received three cycles of dialysis. Urine output gradually improved and the patient was transferred to the medical floors on HD 5. He was subsequently discharged home on HD 13 with an outpatient nephrology appointment.
Discussion
Acute kidney injury from rhabdomyolysis due to doxylamine toxicity can result in poor prognosis, necessitating emergent dialysis and critical care management as seen in our patient. The accessibility of this drug alongside its potential for abuse warrants discussion among healthcare providers. Additionally, the adverse outcomes associated with doxylamine overdose demands that clinicians act immediately in treating patients with suspected intoxication. Rapid intervention may prevent progression of renal failure, ultimately reducing the risk of developing chronic kidney disease and requiring long-term dialysis.