@article{ref1,
title="Cardiac arrest with residual blindness after overdose of Tessalon(R) (benzonatate) perles",
journal="Journal of emergency medicine",
year="2011",
author="Cohen, Victor and Jellinek, Samantha P. and Stansfield, Lindsay and Truong, Henry and Baseluos, Cindy and Marshall, John P.",
volume="41",
number="2",
pages="166-171",
abstract="Background: The extent to which benzonatate (Tessalon(R)), a structurally similar agent to other local anesthetics including tetracaine and procaine, poses a risk to the public is not fully appreciated as it is still one of the most widely prescribed antitussives available. Objectives: To report a case of cardiac arrest with residual blindness after Tessalon(R) overdose, review its clinical manifestations, toxicology and management considerations, and describe the need for rational prescribing. Case Report: A 17-year-old woman with no previous medical history presented to the Emergency Department (ED) status post cardiac arrest. One to two hours prior, the patient had ingested at least 10 200-mg Tessalon(R) capsules as part of a suicide attempt. The patient was sedated, intubated, and given magnesium as prophylaxis against recurrent dysrhythmias. Emergent gastric lavage was performed and well tolerated. A 24-h hypothermia protocol with 6-h cooling period was initiated. Toxicological studies, chest radiograph, and a computed tomography scan of the head were all unremarkable. The patient was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for further work-up and supportive care. The patient was extubated and able to follow some commands 1 week post-admission. The patient developed blindness and experienced generalized confabulations, which did not resolve. Conclusion: Ingestion of Tessalon(R), a seemingly innocuous and widely prescribed antitussive, may pose a risk to patients due to its potential for the rapid development of life-threatening adverse events and limited treatment options in the overdose setting. Rational prescribing and patient education is needed.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0736-4679",
doi="10.1016/j.jemermed.2009.08.027",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2009.08.027"
}