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Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction Following the Use of Enterai Charcoal and Sorbitol and Mechanical Ventilation with Papaveretum Sedation for Theophylline Poisoning

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Summary

We report 2 cases of intestinal pseudo-obstruction, 1 fatal, which developed following the use of enterai activated charcoal with sorbitol, and mechanical ventilation with papaveretum (‘Omnopon’) sedation for the treatment of severe theophylline self-poisoning. While mechanical intestinal obstruction may rarely complicate the use of enterai activated charcoal, pseudo-obstruction has not been previously described. Causal mechanisms and prophylaxis are discussed, highlighting a possible interaction between theophylline and papaveretum, and the dangers of multidose enterai charcoal with sorbitol in this context.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Intensive care Unit, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Ipswich Road, Brisbane, Queensland, 4102, Australia

    Peter Longdon &  A. Henderson

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  1. Peter Longdon
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  2. A. Henderson
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Longdon, P., Henderson, A. Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction Following the Use of Enterai Charcoal and Sorbitol and Mechanical Ventilation with Papaveretum Sedation for Theophylline Poisoning. Drug-Safety 7, 74–77 (1992). https://doi.org/10.2165/00002018-199207010-00009

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00002018-199207010-00009

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