Anticholinergic syndrome after atropine overdose in a supposedly homeopathic solution: a case report.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

A 53-year-old male with no pre-existing conditions and no permanent medication presented to our emergency department with an anticholinergic syndrome including confusion, anxiety, ataxia and dysarthria after ingestion of a homeopathic solution containing Atropa belladonna extract supposedly in a D4 dilution.

METHODS:

Atropine sulphate was quantitatively analysed in serum and the homeopathic preparation via liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry.

RESULTS:

Analysis revealed concentrations of approximately 3 mg/mL atropine sulphate in the homeopathic solution and a serum level of 5.7 ng/mL (±1.4) in the patient's blood proving a 600-fold overdose of atropine due to a production error of the homeopathic dilution. The patient was observed and recovered without further intervention.

CONCLUSION:

Rare but possibly dangerous manufacturing errors should be considered when faced with symptoms occurring after ingestion of homeopathic or holistic remedies.

• Authors: Sabrina Schmoll, Katrin Romanek, Gabriel Zorn, Hans Eiglmeier, Florian Eyer
• Journal: Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.) (Clin Toxicol (Phila)) Vol. 60 Issue 2 Pg. 252-254 (Feb 2022) ISSN: 1556-9519 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 33988064 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Muscarinic Antagonists
• Plant Extracts
• Atropine

Topics

• Anticholinergic Syndrome (etiology, therapy)
• Atropa belladonna (chemistry)
• Atropine (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Muscarinic Antagonists
• Plant Extracts (chemistry)