Adult respiratory distress syndrome associated with flurazepam overdose

Abstract

Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a well documented complication of narcotic and barbiturate drug overdose (Haddad & Winchester 1983). It has not previously been recorded following flurazepam overdose, but there is a report of ARDS, occurring in association with a benzodiazepine; this followed the intravenous injection in 30 mg chlordiazepoxide dissolved in tap water (Richman & Harris 1982). The case now reported draws attention to the possible association between severe flurazepam overdose and the development of ARDS.