Ampicillin-Sulbactam for the Treatment of Aspiration Pneumonia in Patients with Opioid Overdose: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Aspiration pneumonia is among overdose complications, requiring timely appropriate treatment. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of ampicillin-sulbactam, compared to our usual regimen ceftriaxone + clindamycin on aspiration pneumonia in opioid-poisoned patients. Methods: In a randomized-controlled clinical trial, opioid-poisoned patients with aspiration pneumonia were randomly divided into the experimental and control groups to receive ampicillin-sulbactam 3 g Intravenously (IV) every 6 hours (experimental group) and ceftriaxone 1 g IV every 12 hours + clindamycin 600 mg IV every 8 hours (control group) followed by co-amoxiclav 625 mg orally every 8 hours and cefixime 400 mg once daily + clindamycin 600 mg orally every 8 hours in experimental and control groups, respectively, to complete a 7-day course of therapy. White blood cell count and temperature (axillary) at baseline and the third day of the intervention and the treatment outcome on the third day of the intervention, defined as either complete response, partial response, or failure, were evaluated and recorded for all patients. Results: Except for the number of cases of leukocytosis on the third day of the intervention, i.e., lower in the control group (5 patients, 26.30%) than the experimental group (13 patients, 68.40%) (P=0.020), no significant difference was observed between the study groups regarding other outcome variables. Clinical response was similar between the study groups; so that, 10.50% and 63.20% of patients in the experimental group and 21.10% and 47.4% of patients in the control group presented complete and partial responses, respectively (P=0.550). Conclusion: The obtained data suggested that ampicillin-sulbactam is an effective antibiotic for the treatment of aspiration pneumonia in patients with opioid overdose, in which case, it has the same efficacy as the two-drug regimen of ceftriaxone + clindamycin.

The Safety and Effectiveness of Pharmacotherapy for Opioid-Overdose Induced Aspiration Pneumonia in a Referral Poisoning Management University Hospital in Iran

Objective:

Opioid abuse is widespread throughout the world. Aspiration pneumonia is a serious problem following opioid overdose and poisoning. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of antimicrobial management of opioid-overdose induced aspiration pneumonia in a referral poisoning management university hospital in Iran.

Methods:

In an observational cross-sectional study (September–March 2019), opioid poisoned patients diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia within a maximum of 48 h of their overdose were evaluated regarding several variables, including the level of consciousness on admission, drug regimen used for the treatment of aspiration pneumonia, and its appropriateness, and the correctness of the used antibiotics dose and the therapeutic outcome.

Findings:

During the study, 53 eligible patients were identified and included in the study. The most frequently abused opioids were methadone (60.4%) and opium (17%). “Ceftriaxone + Clindamycin” (54.7%) and “Meropenem + Vancomycin” (9.5%) were the most frequently administered regimens. Regarding treatment outcome, most cases (n = 36, 67.9%) were discharged with a stable and satisfying medical status, while 3.8% of the cases (n = 2) died.

Conclusion:

The use of antibiotics in the treatment of aspiration pneumonia in hospitalized patients with opioid overdose in our referral university hospital is associated with notable antibiotic regimen choice issues. The implementation of strategies for improving the pattern of antibiotic prescribing for these patients is necessary.

Allergic Reaction to Intravenous Atropine in a Patient with Organophosphate Poisoning

Atropine is a drug of choice for muscarinic effects in organophosphate (OP) poisoning. Allergic reaction to atropine is rare. Here, we report a case of a 17-year-old male who was admitted with clinical manifestations of acute OP poisoning. After intravenous atropine injection, cutaneous signs of hypersensitivity including erythema and urticarial were observed on his body. Atropine injection was stopped, and antihistamines and hydrocortisone were administered. His condition was improved, and he discharged with a good condition after 2 days hospitalization. Adverse allergic reaction to atropine should be in mind when managing OP poisoning cases.