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CASE REPORT article

Front. Pharmacol.
Sec. Predictive Toxicology
Volume 15 - 2024 | doi: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1426006

Accidental Aconitine Poisoning Caused by the Inappropriate Use of a Type of Chinese Patent Medicine

Provisionally accepted
Ruikai Shang Ruikai Shang 1Hongyu Liu Hongyu Liu 2*Qiaoxin Tian Qiaoxin Tian 1*Yuru Liu Yuru Liu 3*Xiangdong Jian Xiangdong Jian 2Qilu Li Qilu Li 4*
  • 1 山东大学公共卫生学院职业与环境卫生系, 山东济南, China
  • 2 Department of Poisoning and Occupational Diseases, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
  • 3 山东大学护理与康复学院, 山东济南, China
  • 4 山东大学校医院, 山东济南, China

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

    Background: Compound schizonepeta fumigation lotion is a type of Chinese patent medicine for external use. It has the effect of dispelling wind, eliminating dampness, reducing swelling, and relieving pain. Clinically, it is used for anal fumigation and treatment of external hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and other diseases. Aconitum species are widely used in the field of traditional Chinese medicine. However, improper use and overdose can easily cause acute poisoning, leading to malignant arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock, and even death.Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of eight patients who were treated in our hospital from June 2023 to February 2024 after taking compound schizonepeta fumigation lotion by mistake. Case presentation: We report 8 cases of patients who took compound schizonepeta fumigation lotion by mistake. Most patients were illiterate and older, and poisoning was attributed to the misuse of an external drug. The affected patients exhibited different degrees of arrhythmia, with 2 receiving tracheal intubation, assisted ventilation, and hemoperfusion. Finally, all patients were clinically cured and subsequently discharged.Conclusions: A considerable number of accidental aconitine poisoning cases were reported over a short period, alerting clinicians to their growing incidence. Meanwhile, when prescribing medications, clinicians must provide clear instructions on proper usage and ensure that patients strictly adhere to the dosage and administration guidelines outlined in the drug instructions.Additionally, patients should be informed that any errors in medication administration require urgent medical attention. Health professionals should aim to improve public understanding of safe medication practices, promote health literacy.

    Keywords: aconitine poisoning, arrhythmia, accident, Chinese patent medicine, Treatment

    Received: 20 May 2024; Accepted: 23 Dec 2024.

    Copyright: © 2024 Shang, Liu, Tian, Liu, Jian and Li. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

    * Correspondence:
    Hongyu Liu, Department of Poisoning and Occupational Diseases, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
    Qiaoxin Tian, 山东大学公共卫生学院职业与环境卫生系, 山东济南, China
    Yuru Liu, 山东大学护理与康复学院, 山东济南, China
    Qilu Li, 山东大学校医院, 山东济南, China

    Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.