Caffeine overdose resulting in severe rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure

Am J Emerg Med. 2014 Jan;32(1):111.e3-4. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2013.08.042. Epub 2013 Sep 27.

Abstract

Despite the fact that caffeine is the most commonly used stimulant in modern society, cases of caffeine overdose are relatively rare, with fatalities reported from doses of 10 g and higher (Nord J Psychiatry. 2006;60:97-106). Large doses produce symptoms associated with stimulation of the cardiovascular, central nervous, and gastrointestinal symptoms (Associates of the California Poison Control Center, Poisoning and Drug Overdose, pp. 142-143. 5th Ed). We present the first reported case of a man with delayed presentation to the emergency department after ingesting 24 g of caffeine in a suicide attempt who suffered complications of severe rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure requiring subsequent hemodialysis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Kidney Injury / chemically induced*
  • Adult
  • Caffeine / adverse effects*
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / adverse effects*
  • Drug Overdose / complications
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Rhabdomyolysis / chemically induced*
  • Suicide, Attempted

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Caffeine