A case of propylene glycol toxic reaction associated with etomidate infusion

Arch Intern Med. 1991 Nov;151(11):2297-8.

Abstract

For the treatment of postoperative seizures and prevention of brain edema, an etomidate drip was used in conjunction with phenytoin, diazepam, pentobarbital, and phenobarbital in a 70-year-old woman. During a period of 24 hours, the patient received in excess of 479 g of propylene glycol, which was present at 35% (vol/vol) concentration in the undiluted etomidate. The propylene glycol toxic reaction resolved after the infusion was stopped.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acidosis, Lactic / chemically induced*
  • Aged
  • Anticonvulsants / administration & dosage
  • Brain Edema / prevention & control
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic / drug therapy
  • Etomidate / administration & dosage*
  • Etomidate / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Pharmaceutical Vehicles
  • Postoperative Complications / drug therapy
  • Propylene Glycol
  • Propylene Glycols / administration & dosage
  • Propylene Glycols / adverse effects*
  • Pseudotumor Cerebri / drug therapy
  • Water-Electrolyte Imbalance / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Pharmaceutical Vehicles
  • Propylene Glycols
  • Propylene Glycol
  • Etomidate