Cardiac complications of carbamazepine intoxication: Treatment by haemoperfusion

Abstract

Although carbamazepine is widely prescribed for epilepsy and trigeminal neuralgia, it rarely seems to be taken in overdosage. Manifestations of severe acute poisoning include sinus tachycardia, ataxia, convulsions, coma and respiratory depression. First degree atrioventricular block has also been noted but has not been well documented. We describe a case of acute carbamazepine intoxication complicated by severe myocardial depression with bradycardia, conduction defects, hypotension, and oliguria. There was no improvement with conservative management, but the patient recovered after charcoal haemoperfusion.