Prolonged toxicity in a 2-year-old after accidental ingestion of aripiprazole.

Publication/Presentation Date

2-1-2009

Abstract

Aripiprazole (Abilify), or 7-{4-[4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-1-piperazinyl]butyloxy}-3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinolone, is a novel atypical antipsychotic possessing a long half-life. Although not a Food and Drug Administration-approved indication, low-dose aripiprazole is used to treat pediatric psychiatric conditions. Data regarding toxicity of low-dose aripiprazole ingestions in children are limited. We report the case of an accidental ingestion of two 5-mg aripiprazole tablets by a 2-year-old girl with a measured drug level of 160 ng/mL approximately 34 hours after ingestion. She exhibited marked lethargy, tremor, and tachycardia persisting over 72 hours. Emergency physicians, pediatricians, and psychiatrists should be aware of the potential for significant and prolonged toxicity in children even with relatively small-dose aripiprazole exposures.

Volume

25

Issue

2

First Page

105

Last Page

106

ISSN

1535-1815

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

19225379

Department(s)

Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty, Toxicology Division

Document Type

Article

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