Life-Threatening Cyanide Intoxication after Ingestion of Amygdalin in Prehospital Care

Prehosp Emerg Care. 2022 May-Jun;26(3):455-458. doi: 10.1080/10903127.2021.1924903. Epub 2021 May 25.

Abstract

Amygdalin is originally a natural cyanogenic glycoside available as a dietary supplement used in the alternative treatment of cancer patients. Amygdalin hydroxylates to toxic cyanide in the body, which can cause life-threatening intoxication. The case report presents a 72-year-old patient with life-threatening cyanide poisoning after ingesting a dietary supplement containing amygdalin identified in prehospital care, which was successfully treated with hydroxocobalamin.

Keywords: amygdalin; cyanide; hydroxocobalamin.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Amygdalin* / adverse effects
  • Cyanides
  • Eating
  • Emergency Medical Services*
  • Glycosides
  • Humans

Substances

  • Cyanides
  • Glycosides
  • Amygdalin