Intramuscular pyrethroid with organophosphorus (cypermethrine 3% + quinolphos 20%) mixed poisoning, its clinical presentation and management

Abstract

Organophosphorus compounds are absorbed by any route including intramuscular injection. Pyrethroid compounds are less toxic for human but in combination with organophosphates, its toxic effect potentiates due to inhibition of its metabolism. In this case report, a 40-year-old female patient presented with acute onset of pain abdomen, recurrent vomiting, and excessive salivation followed by altered mental status, on evaluation her clinical findings were suggestive of organophosphorus poisoning. Her treatment was started with injection atropine, anti-emetics, and adequate parenteral rehydration. After regaining consciousness, the patient confessed that she had taken herself intramuscular injection of pesticide which contained 3% cypermethrine plus 20% quinolphos. It was further confirmed by a very low level of plasma cholinesterase level. Intramuscular injection acted as a depot that leads to prolong intoxication and in the due course of illness, she also developed delayed onset intermediate syndrome that was managed appropriately.

Keywords

• cypermethrine poisoning
• intramuscular
• organophosphate