Thu11November0840AM 4

A 30-year-old man presents to the Emergency department with a history of drug overdose.

He is known to be repeatedly admitted with similar episodes of self-harm. On this occasion he is drowsy and has prominent hypersalivation.

Which of the following agents, found on his person, is the likely cause?

(Please select 1 option)

Cocaine

Chlormethiazole This is the correct answer

Dosulepin Incorrect answer selected

L-dopa

Solvent cannister

Explanation

Hypersalivation is seen with:

Parasympathomimetic agents

Insecticides

Arsenic

Strychnine

Chlormethiazole, and

Clozapine.

Solvent abuse may cause an acneiform rash around the buccal cavity.

Cocaine abuse leads to hypertension and nasal septum perforation.

The other agents are anticholinergic and would cause dry mouth in overdose.

Reference:

Europe PMC: The pharmacology of chlormethiazole: a potential neuroprotective agent?

Answer Statistics

1

5%

2

26%

3

27%

4

6%

5

38%

Times answered: 275