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Treatment of acute anticholinergic poisoning with physostigmine
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Treatment of acute anticholinergic poisoning with physostigmine

Kathleen M. Beaver and Thomas J. Gavin
The American journal of emergency medicine, v 16(5), pp 505-507
01 Sep 1998
PMID: 9725967

Abstract

Anticholinergic poisoning/toxicity Physostigmine Scopolomine poisoning/toxicity
Five cases of acute anticholinergic poisoning presenting to an inner- city emergency department (ED) are discussed. All five patients presented with classic signs and symptoms of anticholinergic toxicity, which included tachycardia, hot, dry and flushed skin, markedly dilated and fixed pupils, and pronounced delirium. The patients were violently agitated, and physical restraint was required. Initial treatment with benzodiazepines did not diminish their combative behavior. Treatment with intravenous physostigmine salicylate resulted in a decrease in agitation within 15 to 20 minutes of therapy. No untoward effects occurred as a result of treatment with physostigmine.

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