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MEPROBAMATE AND RELATED AGENTS

Classification   |    Detailed evidence-based information

Therapeutic Toxic Class

    A) Meprobamate and phenprobamate, propanediol carbamates, are nonbarbiturate anxiolytic agents originally developed as muscle relaxants. They have some anticonvulsant and mild tranquilizing properties. Overdosage with these drugs alone are usually not fatal. Overdoses often involve mixed ingestions. Physical dependence, psychological dependence, and abuse have been reported with these drugs.
    B) Carisoprodol, another skeletal muscle relaxant, is metabolized to meprobamate in humans. Refer to "SKELETAL MUSCLE RELAXANTS - CENTRAL ACTING" document for more specific information.

Specific Substances

    A) MEPROBAMATE
    1) 2-Methyl-2n-propyl-propane 1,3-diol dicarbamate
    2) 2-Methyl-2-propyl trimethylene dicarbamate
    3) Meprobam
    4) Meprobamatum
    5) Meprotanum
    6) Molecular Formula: C9-H18-N2-O4
    7) CAS 57-53-4
    PHENPROBAMATE
    1) 3-Phenylpropyl carbamate
    2) MH-532
    3) Proformiphen
    4) Molecular Formula: C10-H13-NO2
    5) CAS 673-31-4

Available Forms Sources

    A) FORMS
    1) Meprobamate is available in the United States as 200 mg and 400 mg oral tablets (Prod Info meprobamate oral tablet, 2004).
    2) Phenprobamate is available in Europe as 400 mg tablets (Tasdemir et al, 2002).
    B) USES
    1) Meprobamate is used for the management of anxiety disorders (Prod Info meprobamate oral tablet, 2004).
    2) Phenprobamate is a carbamate with general properties similar to those of meprobamate. It has been used for its an anxiolytic and muscle relaxant actions (S Sweetman , 2002).
    3) Carisoprodol, a commonly used skeletal muscle relaxant, is metabolized in the liver to meprobamate. Similar to meprobamate, it has potential for abuse (Reeves & Parker, 2003). Refer to "SKELETAL MUSCLE RELAXANTS - CENTRAL ACTING" document for more specific information.

Life Support

    A) This overview assumes that basic life support measures have been instituted.

Clinical Effects

    0.2.1) SUMMARY OF EXPOSURE
    A) USES: Meprobamate and phenprobamate are carbamate derivatives that belong to the sedative-hypnotic class. They are nonbarbiturate anxiolytic agents originally developed as skeletal muscle relaxants. They have some anticonvulsant and mild tranquilizing properties. Meprobamate is the active metabolite of carisoprodol, a skeletal muscle relaxant, and has recreational abuse potential. Refer to "SKELETAL MUSCLE RELAXANTS - CENTRAL ACTING" document for more specific information.
    B) PHARMACOLOGY: Meprobamate depresses central nervous system (CNS) function similar to the barbiturates through GABA-A receptor interaction. At high concentrations it causes chloride ion infusion. Additional precise mechanisms remain unclear, but it appears to inhibit interneurons in the hypothalamus, thalamus, limbic system, and spinal cord. It does not act on the medulla, reticular activating system, or autonomic nervous system and does not cause anesthesia. The skeletal muscle relaxing effects are due to CNS depression.
    C) TOXICOLOGY: Extremely high doses induce general anesthesia with resultant respiratory, vasomotor, and CNS depression. Death results from respiratory failure and refractory hypotension due to either direct arterial dilatation, direct myocardial depression, and/or indirectly from excessive skeletal muscle relaxation.
    D) EPIDEMIOLOGY: Meprobamate is an uncommon overdose. Carisoprodol, the prodrug for meprobamate, is commonly abused and its incidence is increasing. Clinical manifestations can be severe and often require intervention. Phenprobamate use has largely been replaced with benzodiazepines.
    E) WITH THERAPEUTIC USE
    1) At therapeutic doses, meprobamate may cause drowsiness, ataxia, dizziness, slurred speech, headache, vertigo, weakness, paresthesias, and paradoxical excitement. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, as well as palpitations, tachycardia, dysrhythmias, and syncope may occur. Mild allergic reactions include a pruritic, urticarial, or erythematous maculopapular rash which may be generalized or localized to the groin.
    2) Agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, thrombocytopenic purpura, and leukopenia uncommonly occur. Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including hyperpyrexia, chills, angioneurotic edema, bronchospasm, oliguria, anuria, anaphylaxis, erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and bullous dermatitis may rarely occur.
    F) WITH POISONING/EXPOSURE
    1) MILD TO MODERATE TOXICITY: Meprobamate (and phenprobamate) overdose produces barbiturate-like CNS depression. Headache, weakness, clonus, hyperactive deep tendon reflexes, slurred speech, lethargy, and stupor are common. Miosis or mydriasis and nystagmus may be noted.
    2) SEVERE TOXICITY: Massive ingestion is often serious and sometimes fatal and may result in tachycardia, refractory hypotension, shock, dysrhythmias, circulatory collapse, respiratory and metabolic acidosis, pulmonary edema, respiratory depression, and prolonged coma. Lethal intoxications are usually associated with mixed ingestions. Bezoars containing large amounts of meprobamate have been reported and may cause prolonged intoxication due to sustained drug absorption.
    3) CHRONIC: Chronic intoxication with supratherapeutic doses may cause ataxia, slurred speech, and vertigo.
    4) WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME: Meprobamate and carisoprodol produce similar withdrawal syndromes consisting of insomnia, vomiting, tremors, muscle twitching, anxiety, hallucinations, delusions, and ataxia in patients who abruptly stop taking large doses of meprobamate or carisoprodol.
    0.2.20) REPRODUCTIVE
    A) Studies of teratogenicity have had mixed results. A slight risk of nonspecific congenital anomalies have been found in some studies, while other studies show no teratogenic association.
    B) Meprobamate crosses the placental barrier, and is found in umbilical cord blood at concentrations approaching those of maternal blood levels.
    C) Meprobamate enters the milk at a concentration 2 to 4 times that in the maternal plasma. However, the relative dose transferred to the breast feeding infant is a small percentage of the maternal dose.

Laboratory Monitoring

    A) There are no specific laboratory tests that help manage meprobamate overdose patients.
    B) Meprobamate serum concentrations can be obtained but do not help to manage the acutely ill patient and are not rapidly available at most facilities.
    C) Monitor vital signs. Continuous pulse oximetry and venous blood gases can provide information on acid-base status.
    D) Obtain an ECG and repeat as indicated; continuous cardiac monitoring may be necessary in symptomatic patients.
    E) A head CT scan can rule out other causes of CNS depression.

Treatment Overview

    0.4.2) ORAL/PARENTERAL EXPOSURE
    A) MANAGEMENT OF MILD TO MODERATE TOXICITY
    1) Treatment is mainly supportive care including oxygen, IV fluids, and placing the patient on a cardiac monitor. Support the patient's airway and breathing with careful attention to the mental status.
    B) MANAGEMENT OF SEVERE TOXICITY
    1) Treatment is primarily supportive. Orotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation may be needed for pulmonary edema, respiratory depression, and coma. Treat hypotension with intravenous fluids; if hypotension persists, administer vasopressors. Benzodiazepines can effectively treat seizures in epileptic patients overdosed on meprobamate.
    C) DECONTAMINATION
    1) PREHOSPITAL: Avoid charcoal because the patient may become more somnolent and lose the ability to protect the airway.
    2) HOSPITAL: Meprobamate may cause bezoars and prolong absorption. Orogastric lavage, activated charcoal, or whole bowel irrigation may be indicated after the patient is intubated IF 1) there is a history of massive ingestion, 2) there is a history of potential lethal coningestants, or 3) a bezoar is suspected and the patient is deteriorating despite interventions. Multidose activated charcoal has been used for severe ingestions and may be safe if used in conjunction with the above guidelines.
    D) AIRWAY MANAGEMENT
    1) Airway management is a key issue in severe ingestions. Intubate early if the history is consistent with a massive ingestion or if the patient deteriorates neurologically and/or hemodynamically.
    E) ANTIDOTE
    1) None.
    F) ENHANCED ELIMINATION
    1) Hemodialysis and hemoperfusion effectively remove meprobamate and are indicated in patients with severe ingestions who are not responding to supportive care (eg, patients with refractory hypotension, pulmonary edema).
    G) PATIENT DISPOSITION
    1) HOME CRITERIA: Asymptomatic patients with inadvertent overdose may be observed at home.
    2) OBSERVATION CRITERIA: Symptomatic patients should be sent to a healthcare facility for observation and evaluation. Symptoms generally manifest in the first few hours after overdose. Children who inadvertently ingested more than one pill should probably be referred to a healthcare facility. Asymptomatic patients may be discharged after observing for approximately 4 hours after ingestion. Bezoars will prolong the symptoms but should not delay symptom onset.
    3) ADMISSION CRITERIA: Patients with persistent CNS depression should be admitted. Admit patients requiring respiratory, ventilatory, and/or hemodynamic support to an ICU setting. Assess neurologic status and ability to maintain a patent airway. Patients may be discharged once they are asymptomatic for approximately 8 hours.
    4) CONSULT CRITERIA: Consult a nephrologist for hemodialysis or hemoperfusion in patients with massive ingestions or who are not responding to supportive care. Consider endoscopy or surgical removal if a bezoar is suspected. Consult a toxicologist for specific guidance for patients with severe toxicity.
    H) PITFALLS
    1) Prompt mental status deterioration may occur in meprobamate overdose, so exercise caution in administering activated charcoal to the routine overdose patient. Early airway control is indicated in deteriorating patients.
    I) PHARMACOKINETICS
    1) At therapeutic doses, meprobamate is well absorbed enterally and has an onset of action of less than 1 hour with peak plasma levels within 1 to 3 hours. The therapeutic half-life is about 8 hours (6 to 17 hours). It is distributed uniformly throughout the body with a volume of distribution of 0.75 L/kg and has low protein binding (approximately 15%). Meprobamate is metabolized rapidly in the liver because it can induce hepatic microsomal enzymes and excreted renally as inactive metabolites. After chronic therapeutic administration, elimination half-life was 24 to 48 hours.
    J) TOXICOKINETICS
    1) Gastric bezoars form after large overdoses and lead to prolonged absorption (absorption half-life mean of 4 hours with a range of 1 to 13 hours in one study). Elimination appears to be first order with a mean half-life of approximately 12 hours (4 to 27 hours).
    K) PREDISPOSING CONDITIONS
    1) Chronic sedative-hypnotic use may predispose a patient to meprobamate abuse and addiction. Coingestion with other sedatives increases toxicity.
    L) DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
    1) Barbiturate overdose appears clinically similar with CNS depression and hypotension. Other sedative-hypnotics, such as benzodiazepines, skeletal muscle relaxants, as well as antipsychotics, may mimic meprobamate overdose.

Range Of Toxicity

    A) TOXICITY: No strict rule can describe a meprobamate dose that will be fatal in a specific person. Fatalities have been reported after ingestions of as little as 12 to 20 grams while survival has occurred after doses as large as 40 grams. Most patients recover with good supportive care.
    B) THERAPEUTIC DOSE: MEPROBAMATE: ADULTS: Up to 400 mg 3 to 4 times daily by mouth. MAX: 2400 mg/day. CHILDREN (6 to 12 years of age): 100 mg to 200 mg 2 to 3 times daily by mouth. Meprobamate is not recommended in children under 6 years of age.

Summary Of Exposure

    A) USES: Meprobamate and phenprobamate are carbamate derivatives that belong to the sedative-hypnotic class. They are nonbarbiturate anxiolytic agents originally developed as skeletal muscle relaxants. They have some anticonvulsant and mild tranquilizing properties. Meprobamate is the active metabolite of carisoprodol, a skeletal muscle relaxant, and has recreational abuse potential. Refer to "SKELETAL MUSCLE RELAXANTS - CENTRAL ACTING" document for more specific information.
    B) PHARMACOLOGY: Meprobamate depresses central nervous system (CNS) function similar to the barbiturates through GABA-A receptor interaction. At high concentrations it causes chloride ion infusion. Additional precise mechanisms remain unclear, but it appears to inhibit interneurons in the hypothalamus, thalamus, limbic system, and spinal cord. It does not act on the medulla, reticular activating system, or autonomic nervous system and does not cause anesthesia. The skeletal muscle relaxing effects are due to CNS depression.
    C) TOXICOLOGY: Extremely high doses induce general anesthesia with resultant respiratory, vasomotor, and CNS depression. Death results from respiratory failure and refractory hypotension due to either direct arterial dilatation, direct myocardial depression, and/or indirectly from excessive skeletal muscle relaxation.
    D) EPIDEMIOLOGY: Meprobamate is an uncommon overdose. Carisoprodol, the prodrug for meprobamate, is commonly abused and its incidence is increasing. Clinical manifestations can be severe and often require intervention. Phenprobamate use has largely been replaced with benzodiazepines.
    E) WITH THERAPEUTIC USE
    1) At therapeutic doses, meprobamate may cause drowsiness, ataxia, dizziness, slurred speech, headache, vertigo, weakness, paresthesias, and paradoxical excitement. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, as well as palpitations, tachycardia, dysrhythmias, and syncope may occur. Mild allergic reactions include a pruritic, urticarial, or erythematous maculopapular rash which may be generalized or localized to the groin.
    2) Agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, thrombocytopenic purpura, and leukopenia uncommonly occur. Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including hyperpyrexia, chills, angioneurotic edema, bronchospasm, oliguria, anuria, anaphylaxis, erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and bullous dermatitis may rarely occur.
    F) WITH POISONING/EXPOSURE
    1) MILD TO MODERATE TOXICITY: Meprobamate (and phenprobamate) overdose produces barbiturate-like CNS depression. Headache, weakness, clonus, hyperactive deep tendon reflexes, slurred speech, lethargy, and stupor are common. Miosis or mydriasis and nystagmus may be noted.
    2) SEVERE TOXICITY: Massive ingestion is often serious and sometimes fatal and may result in tachycardia, refractory hypotension, shock, dysrhythmias, circulatory collapse, respiratory and metabolic acidosis, pulmonary edema, respiratory depression, and prolonged coma. Lethal intoxications are usually associated with mixed ingestions. Bezoars containing large amounts of meprobamate have been reported and may cause prolonged intoxication due to sustained drug absorption.
    3) CHRONIC: Chronic intoxication with supratherapeutic doses may cause ataxia, slurred speech, and vertigo.
    4) WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME: Meprobamate and carisoprodol produce similar withdrawal syndromes consisting of insomnia, vomiting, tremors, muscle twitching, anxiety, hallucinations, delusions, and ataxia in patients who abruptly stop taking large doses of meprobamate or carisoprodol.

Vital Signs

    3.3.4) BLOOD PRESSURE
    A) WITH POISONING/EXPOSURE
    1) Hypotension is typical in severe overdoses (Charron et al, 2005; Tasdemir et al, 2002; Freund, 1981; Hoy et al, 1978; Maddock & Bloomer, 1967). However, the development of hypotension does not necessarily correlate with plasma drug levels (Charron et al, 2005).

Heent

    3.4.3) EYES
    A) WITH POISONING/EXPOSURE
    1) MYDRIASIS and impaired visual accommodation have been reported in acute overdose (Powell et al, 1958). Mydriasis, unresponsive to light, was reported in a 16-year-old male following a mixed drug overdose, including 14.8 grams of phenprobamate (Tasdemir et al, 2002).
    2) NYSTAGMUS and impaired visual accommodation can develop during meprobamate intoxication (Powell et al, 1958).
    3) DYSCONJUGATE GAZE has been observed.
    4) MIOSIS has been reported.
    3.4.5) NOSE
    A) WITH POISONING/EXPOSURE
    1) SECRETIONS: Excessive oronasal secretions may make airway management difficult.
    3.4.6) THROAT
    A) WITH POISONING/EXPOSURE
    1) UPPER AIRWAY: Relaxation of pharyngeal walls may complicate airway management.
    2) ANGIOEDEMA has been reported (Gilman et al, 1990).

Cardiovascular

    3.5.2) CLINICAL EFFECTS
    A) CONDUCTION DISORDER OF THE HEART
    1) WITH POISONING/EXPOSURE
    a) Massive ingestion is often serious and sometimes fatal and may result in tachycardia, refractory hypotension, shock, dysrhythmias, circulatory collapse, pulmonary edema, respiratory depression, and prolonged coma (Buire et al, 2009).
    b) Effects of meprobamate and phenprobamate poisoning include palpitations, dysrhythmias, tachycardia, and bradycardia (Tasdemir et al, 2002; Lhoste et al, 1977). Cardiac arrest with successful resuscitation has been reported (Tasdemir et al, 2002; Jacobsen et al, 1987). Acute cardiac failure may result from a direct action of meprobamate on cardiac muscle (Kintz et al, 1988). Cardiac failure and vasodilation leading to shock has been reported following the ingestion of 72 grams (Eeckhout et al, 1988) and 25 grams (Peyriere et al, 1998) of meprobamate.
    B) HYPOTENSIVE EPISODE
    1) WITH POISONING/EXPOSURE
    a) Hypotension can be severe and persistent, leading to profound shock (Charron et al, 2005; Shane & Hirsch, 1956; Ferguson et al, 1960; Deisher, 1956; Scott et al, 1956; Bailey, 1981; Sauder et al, 1994; Lin et al, 1993; Peyriere et al, 1998; Tasdemir et al, 2002).
    b) The development of hypotension due to meprobamate toxicity was associated with a significantly longer duration of mechanical ventilation in ICU patients (Charron et al, 2005).
    c) INCIDENCE: In one series 13 of 38 patients (34%) developed hypotension (Sauder et al, 1994) due to meprobamate overdoses. In another series of 74 patients admitted to an ICU after meprobamate overdose, 29 (39%) developed hypotension (Charron et al, 2005).
    d) Depressed myocardial activity is in large part responsible for the development of hypotension (Maddock & Bloomer, 1967; Kintz et al, 1988; Lhoste et al, 1977). In a retrospective study of 29 patients with hypotension after meprobamate overdose, echocardiography revealed depressed left ventricular (LV) stroke index, cardiac index and LV ejection fraction(Charron et al, 2005).
    e) Hypotension may also be due to the direct effect of meprobamate on the vasomotor center causing vasomotor center depression (Ferguson et al, 1960; Peyriere et al, 1998).
    f) CASE REPORT: A 45-year-old woman, with a history of depressive disorder, was found unresponsive in the street. Ten empty boxes of duloxetine, prazepam, and meprobamate were also found. The patient was lethargic (Glasgow coma scale [GCS] score: 11) and confused upon initial examination with normal vital signs; however, her mental status worsened (GCS score: 3) while being transported to the ED. Her blood pressure dropped (67/41 mmHg) and she was administered fluids and 10 mg of ephedrine without response. The patient remained hypotensive and venous blood gas analysis showed acute respiratory acidosis. Serum meprobamate concentration was 146.3 mg/L. Orotracheal intubation and resuscitation with boluses of crystalloids and norepinephrine were initiated. She was then transferred to the ICU and continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) was immediately performed. Arterial hypotension persisted despite fluid resuscitation and norepinephrine administration. CVVHDF was continued for 36 hours with the patient eventually recovered and was transferred to the psychiatric ward 2 days post-admission (Ceschi et al, 2013).
    C) LEFT VENTRICULAR CARDIAC DYSFUNCTION
    1) WITH POISONING/EXPOSURE
    a) In a retrospective study of 29 patients with hypotension after meprobamate overdose, echocardiography revealed depressed left ventricular (LV) stroke index, cardiac index and LV ejection fraction(Charron et al, 2005).

Respiratory

    3.6.2) CLINICAL EFFECTS
    A) HYPOVENTILATION
    1) WITH POISONING/EXPOSURE
    a) A sufficiently high dose of meprobamate or phenprobamate can induce severe respiratory depression requiring mechanical ventilation (Charron et al, 2005; Schwartz, 1976; Allen et al, 1977; Eeckhout et al, 1988; Lin et al, 1993; Tasdemir et al, 2002), although the diaphragm is relatively resistant to the action of these drugs.
    b) In one series, 27 of 38 patients (71%) required mechanical ventilation following meprobamate overdoses (Sauder et al, 1994).
    B) ACUTE LUNG INJURY
    1) WITH POISONING/EXPOSURE
    a) Massive ingestion is often serious and sometimes fatal and may result in tachycardia, refractory hypotension, shock, dysrhythmias, circulatory collapse, pulmonary edema, respiratory depression, and prolonged coma (Buire et al, 2009).
    b) Pulmonary edema can readily develop following therapy for meprobamate overdose (Axelson & Hagaman, 1977). Forced diuresis has precipitated severe pulmonary edema. In one patient cardiac failure developed in the setting of acute pulmonary edema, with death occurring shortly thereafter as a result of cardiogenic shock and refractory cardiac arrest following an ingestion of 25 grams of meprobamate (Peyriere et al, 1998).
    c) CASE REPORT: Following a mixed drug overdose, including 14.8 grams phenprobamate, a 16-year-old male developed mild bilateral alveolar edema. The patient recovered following mechanical ventilation, hemoperfusion and supportive care (Tasdemir et al, 2002).
    C) BRONCHOSPASM
    1) WITH POISONING/EXPOSURE
    a) Bronchospasm has been reported (Gilman et al, 1990).
    D) ASPIRATION PNEUMONIA
    1) WITH POISONING/EXPOSURE
    a) Aspiration pneumonia is common in patients with severe poisoning. In a series of 72 patients who were admitted to the ICU for respiratory support after meprobamate overdose, 65% developed aspiration pneumonia (Charron et al, 2005).

Neurologic

    3.7.2) CLINICAL EFFECTS
    A) CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DEFICIT
    1) WITH POISONING/EXPOSURE
    a) Meprobamate/phenprobamate exert depressant actions on the CNS similar to those produced by barbiturates. EEG changes are often seen (Tasdemir et al, 2002).
    b) Meprobamate concentration between 60 and 120 mg/L is associated with moderate CNS depression. Deep/prolonged coma may develop with meprobamate concentrations greater than 120 mg/L (Buire et al, 2009).
    c) A mixed drug overdose, including 14.8 grams of phenprobamate, resulted in coma unresponsive to painful stimuli. EEG remained normal. Level of consciousness improved after one session of hemoperfusion (Tasdemir et al, 2002).
    d) Plasma levels between 100 to 200 mcg/mL are associated with deep coma and may be lethal (Maddock & Bloomer, 1967; Bailey, 1981). Coma has been reported to last from 1 to 73 hours (Ehlers, 1963).
    e) Other CNS symptoms of meprobamate/phenprobamate intoxication may include slurred speech, headache, vertigo and weakness (Mouton et al, 1967).
    f) In one series 36 of 38 patients (95%) were comatose (Sauder et al, 1994).
    g) Patients presenting with prolonged meprobamate use of higher than recommended doses may exhibit ataxia, slurred speech, and vertigo (Prod Info Miltown(R), meprobamate, 1998).
    h) One patient developed a Glasgow coma score less than 5 and reactive bilateral mydriasis following a 25 gram meprobamate ingestion (Peyriere et al, 1998).
    i) CASE REPORT/PHENBROMATE: A 27-year-old woman developed neurotoxicity (hypotonia, ataxia, weakness, loss of muscle control, slow-down in motion, depressed reflexes, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, irritability, agitation, combativeness, impairment in thinking, and limited attention span) 2.5 hours after ingesting 8 grams of phenprobamate. Despite hemodialysis for 3 hours, her condition did not improve. Following supportive care, she recovered and was discharged on day 5 (Emet et al, 2009).
    j) CASE REPORT: A 45-year-old woman, with a history of depressive disorder, was found unresponsive in the street. Ten empty boxes of duloxetine, prazepam, and meprobamate were also found. The patient was lethargic (Glasgow coma scale [GCS] score: 11) and confused upon initial examination with normal vital signs; however, her mental status worsened (GCS score: 3) while being transported to the ED. Her blood pressure dropped (67/41 mmHg) and she was administered fluids and 10 mg of ephedrine without response. The patient remained hypotensive and venous blood gas analysis showed acute respiratory acidosis. Serum meprobamate concentration was 146.3 mg/L. Orotracheal intubation and resuscitation with boluses of crystalloids and norepinephrine were initiated. She was then transferred to the ICU and continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) was immediately performed. Arterial hypotension persisted despite fluid resuscitation and norepinephrine administration. CVVHDF was continued for 36 hours with the patient eventually recovered and was transferred to the psychiatric ward 2 days post-admission (Ceschi et al, 2013).
    B) SEIZURE
    1) WITH THERAPEUTIC USE
    a) Meprobamate may precipitate seizures in epileptic patients (Prod Info Miltown(R), meprobamate, 1998).
    2) ANIMAL STUDIES: Meprobamate has an anticonvulsant effect in animals (Powell et al, 1958).
    C) HYPOREFLEXIA
    1) WITH POISONING/EXPOSURE
    a) Areflexia was reported (Mouton et al, 1967).
    D) ATAXIA
    1) WITH POISONING/EXPOSURE
    a) Ataxia may occur (Allen et al, 1977).
    E) PARESTHESIA
    1) WITH POISONING/EXPOSURE
    a) Paresthesia has been noted (Mouton et al, 1967).
    F) CENTRAL STIMULANT ADVERSE REACTION
    1) WITH POISONING/EXPOSURE
    a) Euphoria and paradoxical CNS stimulation may occur during meprobamate intoxication, resulting in excitement and fast electroencephalographic activity. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes, and bilateral ankle clonus have been described (Mouton et al, 1967).
    b) Carisoprodol overdose has been noted to cause symptoms similar to serotonin syndrome. Features include hypertension, tachycardia, hyperreflexia, hyperthermia, myoclonus and altered mental status. It is unclear whether these findings result from the direct effects of carisoprodol or its metabolite, meprobamate. Patients in this series were found to have substantially higher meprobamate versus carisoprodol serum levels (Bramness et al, 2005).

Gastrointestinal

    3.8.2) CLINICAL EFFECTS
    A) NAUSEA, VOMITING AND DIARRHEA
    1) WITH THERAPEUTIC USE
    a) Therapeutic use of meprobamate can induce anorexia, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (Prod Info Miltown(R), meprobamate, 1998).
    B) BEZOAR
    1) WITH POISONING/EXPOSURE
    a) Bezoars containing large amounts of meprobamate may be formed (Schwartz, 1976; Jenis et al, 1969; Eeckhout et al, 1988). Relapse may occur after return of normotension and splanchnic blood flow as residual enteric meprobamate is absorbed (North & Krenzelok, 1982). Relapsing coma has also occurred without major fluctuations in blood pressure and presumed splanchnic perfusion (Davis et al, 2006).
    b) Death from meprobamate poisoning has occurred following apparent recovery. A mass containing 25 g of meprobamate was found at autopsy in the stomach (Jenis et al, 1969). The authors speculate the residual enteric meprobamate was effectively absorbed from the GI tract after the return of normotension and splanchnic blood flow, thus resulting in a relapse phenomenon.
    c) A patient who remained unconscious despite aggressive therapy was found, by gastroscopy, to have a large, gelatinous mass in the stomach; gastrotomy produced a 140 g tarry mass (Schwartz, 1976).
    C) TRACHEOESOPHAGEAL FISTULA
    1) WITH POISONING/EXPOSURE
    a) A 30-year-old woman developed a deep esophageal ulceration with purulent discharge, which was diagnosed as a tracheo-esophageal fistula, after meprobamate overdose complicated by protracted hypotension and respiratory failure (Lin et al, 1993). Death was due to complications of the fistula.

Hepatic

    3.9.2) CLINICAL EFFECTS
    A) LIVER ENZYMES ABNORMAL
    1) WITH POISONING/EXPOSURE
    a) CASE REPORT: Mildly elevated alkaline phosphatase (142 International Units) and hyperbilirubinemia (1.48 mg/dL; range 0.3 to 1.2 mg/dL) developed in a 27-year-old woman who also experienced neurotoxicity 2.5 hours after ingesting 8 grams of phenprobamate. Despite hemodialysis for 3 hours, her condition did not improve. Following supportive care, including plasmapheresis using 12 Units of fresh frozen plasma for 2 days, she recovered and was discharged on day 5 (Emet et al, 2009).

Acid-Base

    3.11.2) CLINICAL EFFECTS
    A) ACIDOSIS
    1) WITH POISONING/EXPOSURE
    a) Both respiratory and metabolic acidosis may develop in patients with hypotension and respiratory depression (Lin et al, 1993).
    b) CASE REPORT: A 45-year-old woman, with a history of depressive disorder, was found unresponsive in the street. Ten empty boxes of duloxetine, prazepam, and meprobamate were also found. The patient was lethargic (Glasgow coma scale [GCS] score: 11) and confused upon initial examination with normal vital signs; however, her mental status worsened (GCS score: 3) while being transported to the ED. Her blood pressure dropped (67/41 mmHg) and she was administered fluids and 10 mg of ephedrine without response. The patient remained hypotensive and venous blood gas analysis showed acute respiratory acidosis (pH: 7.29; pCO2: 7.02 kPa; HCO3: 24.7 mmol/L). Serum meprobamate concentration was 146.3 mg/L. Orotracheal intubation and resuscitation with boluses of crystalloids and norepinephrine were initiated. She was then transferred to the ICU and continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) was immediately performed. Arterial hypotension persisted despite fluid resuscitation and norepinephrine administration. CVVHDF was continued for 36 hours with the patient eventually recovered and was transferred to the psychiatric ward 2 days post-admission (Ceschi et al, 2013).

Hematologic

    3.13.2) CLINICAL EFFECTS
    A) MYELOSUPPRESSION
    1) WITH THERAPEUTIC USE
    a) Some major hematologic reactions that have occurred during meprobamate therapy include agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, thrombocytopenic purpura, and leukopenia (Prod Info Miltown(R), meprobamate, 1998).
    2) WITH POISONING/EXPOSURE
    a) Mild transient leukopenia and thrombocytopenia were reported following an overdose (Lin et al, 1993).
    B) LEUKOCYTOSIS
    1) WITH POISONING/EXPOSURE
    a) CASE REPORT: Mild leukocytosis (17700/mcL) developed in a 27-year-old woman who also experienced neurotoxicity 2.5 hours after ingesting 8 grams of phenprobamate. Despite hemodialysis for 3 hours, her condition did not improve. Following supportive care, including plasmapheresis using 12 Units of fresh frozen plasma for 2 days, she recovered and was discharged on day 5 (Emet et al, 2009).
    C) PORPHYRIA DUE TO TOXIC EFFECT OF SUBSTANCE
    1) WITH THERAPEUTIC USE
    a) Meprobamate may exacerbate acute intermittent porphyria (Prod Info Miltown(R), meprobamate, 1998).

Dermatologic

    3.14.2) CLINICAL EFFECTS
    A) CYANOSIS
    1) WITH POISONING/EXPOSURE
    a) Cyanosis develops occasionally following overdose (Jenis et al, 1969).
    B) ERUPTION
    1) WITH THERAPEUTIC USE
    a) Allergic reactions to meprobamate include pruritus, urticaria, and/or erythematous maculopapular rash, either generalized or confined to the groin (Peterson & Manick, 1967; Robbins & Brown, 1978). Bullous dermatitis has been seen.
    C) PURPURA
    1) WITH THERAPEUTIC USE
    a) Acute nonthrombocytopenic purpura has uncommonly been reported following therapeutic use (Gilman et al, 1990).
    D) ISCHEMIA
    1) WITH POISONING/EXPOSURE
    a) CASE REPORT: A 23-year-old drug abuser developed acute right hand ischemia after an intra-arterial injection of 2 mL of meprobamate solution (made by dissolving a 200-mg meprobamate tablet in hot water) into the antecubital fossa of his right forearm. Despite supportive therapy, including heparinization, low molecular-weight dextran infusion, corticosteroids, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, he developed gangrenous necrosis on the distal tips of his right thumb, index finger, ring finger, and little finger. Surgical amputation to remove the gangrenous tissue was performed on day 18 (Seak et al, 2012).

Immunologic

    3.19.2) CLINICAL EFFECTS
    A) ACUTE ALLERGIC REACTION
    1) WITH THERAPEUTIC USE
    a) Allergic reactions to meprobamate include pruritus, urticaria, and/or erythematous maculopapular rash, either generalized or confined to the groin (Peterson & Manick, 1967; Robbins & Brown, 1978). Bullous dermatitis has been seen.
    b) Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including hyperpyrexia, chills, angioneurotic edema, bronchospasm, oliguria, anuria, anaphylaxis, erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and bullous dermatitis may rarely occur (Prod Info meprobamate oral tablet, 2004).

Reproductive

    3.20.1) SUMMARY
    A) Studies of teratogenicity have had mixed results. A slight risk of nonspecific congenital anomalies have been found in some studies, while other studies show no teratogenic association.
    B) Meprobamate crosses the placental barrier, and is found in umbilical cord blood at concentrations approaching those of maternal blood levels.
    C) Meprobamate enters the milk at a concentration 2 to 4 times that in the maternal plasma. However, the relative dose transferred to the breast feeding infant is a small percentage of the maternal dose.
    3.20.2) TERATOGENICITY
    A) GROWTH RETARDED
    1) Retarded development has been questionably associated with fetal exposure to meprobamate (Schardein, 1985).
    B) CONGENITAL ANOMALY
    1) COHORT STUDIES - Two small cohort studies have suggested a slightly increased risk of nonspecific congenital anomalies, with a third study showing a suggestive association of first trimester exposure to meprobamate with hypospadias. Two additional studies show no teratogenic association (Schardein, 1985).
    2) EPIDEMIOLOGIC STUDY - A large epidemiologic study showed no increased risk of fetal loss or abnormalities (Hartz et al, 1975). A second large study suggested an association between exposure to meprobamate during the first 6 weeks of pregnancy and an increased risk of birth defects (Miklovich & Vandenberg, 1974).
    3) ANIMAL STUDIES - Meprobamate exposure during pregnancy caused digital defects in mice and learning disabilities in rats but had no effect in rabbits (Schardein, 1985).
    3.20.3) EFFECTS IN PREGNANCY
    A) PLACENTAL BARRIER
    1) Meprobamate crosses the placental barrier, and is found in umbilical cord blood at concentrations approaching those of maternal blood levels.
    B) PREGNANCY CATEGORY
    MEPROBAMATED
    Reference: Briggs et al, 1998
    3.20.4) EFFECTS DURING BREAST-FEEDING
    A) BREAST MILK
    1) LACTATION - Meprobamate enters the milk at a concentration 2 to 4 times that in the maternal plasma (Briggs et al, 1998).
    a) A 27-year-old nursing woman taking 700 mg of carisoprodol daily had an average meprobamate concentration of 11.6 mg/mL. It was estimated that her infant consumed 4.1% of the daily dose of carisoprodol; absolute daily dose was calculated at 1.9 mg/kg. Although the infant remained asymptomatic during 6 months of breastfeeding, the authors recommended that breastfeeding should be stopped until more clinical data was available (Nordeng et al, 2001).

Monitoring Parameters Levels

    4.1.1) SUMMARY
    A) There are no specific laboratory tests that help manage meprobamate overdose patients.
    B) Meprobamate serum concentrations can be obtained but do not help to manage the acutely ill patient and are not rapidly available at most facilities.
    C) Monitor vital signs. Continuous pulse oximetry and venous blood gases can provide information on acid-base status.
    D) Obtain an ECG and repeat as indicated; continuous cardiac monitoring may be necessary in symptomatic patients.
    E) A head CT scan can rule out other causes of CNS depression.
    4.1.2) SERUM/BLOOD
    A) TOXICITY
    1) SERIAL LEVELS: Meprobamate concentrations do have some correlation with the severity of toxicity, but they are not readily available at most institutions and are not useful to guide therapy. Serum concentrations between 60 to 120 mg/L are generally associated with mild to moderate CNS depression, meprobamate concentrations above 120 mg/L are usually associated with deep prolonged coma and concentrations above 200 mcg/mL are associated with severe toxicity (Buire et al, 2009).
    a) One study showed that arterial-venous differences in meprobamate levels exists early during the course of acute intoxications (Sato et al, 1986). The earlier the blood samples are taken, the higher the arterial-venous difference, particularly in massive intoxications.
    2) THERAPEUTIC LEVELS: Of meprobamate may range up to 40 to 50 mcg/mL, but is usually considered to be about 10 mcg/mL.
    3) TOXIC LEVELS: Toxic symptoms may occur when plasma levels reach 75 mcg/mL, levels of 100 to 200 mcg/mL frequently produce coma.
    a) Two children who had been in deep coma following ingestion of a meprobamate-containing combination product regained consciousness when their meprobamate plasma levels had dropped 144 mcg/mL and 158 mcg/mL (Dennison et al, 1985).
    4) TOLERANCE: Inter-individual differences in therapeutic versus toxic levels may be due to the development of tolerance after the continued use of meprobamate.
    4.1.4) OTHER
    A) OTHER
    1) ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
    a) Bedside echocardiography has been used to guide therapy in patients with hypotension (Charron et al, 2005).
    2) ELECTROPHYSIOLOGIC TESTING
    a) EEG may be monitored in symptomatic overdoses, especially in comatose patients.
    3) RADIOLOGY
    a) Bezoar formation may be detected with abdominal CT scanning (Davis et al, 2006).

Methods

    A) CHROMATOGRAPHY
    1) Douglas et al (1967) described a method of meprobamate detection using gas chromatography (Douglas et al, 1967).
    2) Meprobamate can be detected by thin layer chromatography (Lambert et al, 1992).

Life Support

    A) Support respiratory and cardiovascular function.

Patient Disposition

    6.3.1) DISPOSITION/ORAL EXPOSURE
    6.3.1.1) ADMISSION CRITERIA/ORAL
    A) Patients with persistent CNS depression should be admitted. Admit patients requiring respiratory, ventilatory, and/or hemodynamic support to an ICU setting. Assess neurologic status and ability to maintain a patent airway. Patients may be discharged once they are asymptomatic for approximately 8 hours.
    6.3.1.2) HOME CRITERIA/ORAL
    A) Asymptomatic patients with inadvertent overdose may be observed at home.
    6.3.1.3) CONSULT CRITERIA/ORAL
    A) Consult a nephrologist for hemodialysis or hemoperfusion in patients with massive ingestions or who are not responding to supportive care. Consider endoscopy or surgical removal if a bezoar is suspected. Consult a toxicologist for specific guidance for patients with severe toxicity.
    6.3.1.5) OBSERVATION CRITERIA/ORAL
    A) Symptomatic patients should be sent to a healthcare facility for observation and evaluation. Symptoms generally manifest in the first few hours after overdose. Children who inadvertently ingested more than one pill should probably be referred to a healthcare facility. Asymptomatic patients may be discharged after observing for approximately 4 hours after ingestion. Bezoars will prolong the symptoms but should not delay symptom onset.

Monitoring

    A) There are no specific laboratory tests that help manage meprobamate overdose patients.
    B) Meprobamate serum concentrations can be obtained but do not help to manage the acutely ill patient and are not rapidly available at most facilities.
    C) Monitor vital signs. Continuous pulse oximetry and venous blood gases can provide information on acid-base status.
    D) Obtain an ECG and repeat as indicated; continuous cardiac monitoring may be necessary in symptomatic patients.
    E) A head CT scan can rule out other causes of CNS depression.

Oral Exposure

    6.5.1) PREVENTION OF ABSORPTION/PREHOSPITAL
    A) PREHOSPITAL: Avoid charcoal because the patient may become more somnolent and lose the ability to protect the airway.
    6.5.2) PREVENTION OF ABSORPTION
    A) SUMMARY: Meprobamate may cause bezoars and prolong absorption. Orogastric lavage, activated charcoal, or whole bowel irrigation may be indicated after the patient is intubated IF 1) there is a history of massive ingestion, 2) there is a history of potential lethal coningestants, or 3) a bezoar is suspected and the patient is deteriorating despite interventions. Multidose activated charcoal has been used for severe ingestions and may be safe if used in conjunction with the above guidelines.
    B) ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
    1) CHARCOAL ADMINISTRATION
    a) Consider administration of activated charcoal after a potentially toxic ingestion (Chyka et al, 2005). Administer charcoal as an aqueous slurry; most effective when administered within one hour of ingestion.
    2) CHARCOAL DOSE
    a) Use a minimum of 240 milliliters of water per 30 grams charcoal (FDA, 1985). Optimum dose not established; usual dose is 25 to 100 grams in adults and adolescents; 25 to 50 grams in children aged 1 to 12 years (or 0.5 to 1 gram/kilogram body weight) ; and 0.5 to 1 gram/kilogram in infants up to 1 year old (Chyka et al, 2005).
    1) Routine use of a cathartic with activated charcoal is NOT recommended as there is no evidence that cathartics reduce drug absorption and cathartics are known to cause adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, electrolyte imbalances and occasionally hypotension (None Listed, 2004).
    b) ADVERSE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS
    1) Complications: emesis, aspiration (Chyka et al, 2005). Aspiration may be complicated by acute respiratory failure, ARDS, bronchiolitis obliterans or chronic lung disease (Golej et al, 2001; Graff et al, 2002; Pollack et al, 1981; Harris & Filandrinos, 1993; Elliot et al, 1989; Rau et al, 1988; Golej et al, 2001; Graff et al, 2002). Refer to the ACTIVATED CHARCOAL/TREATMENT management for further information.
    2) Contraindications: unprotected airway (increases risk/severity of aspiration) , nonfunctioning gastrointestinal tract, uncontrolled vomiting, and ingestion of most hydrocarbons (Chyka et al, 2005).
    C) BEZOARS
    1) Endoscopy may be indicated when a drug mass or concretion is suspected (Hoy et al, 1980). Bezoars can also be removed via endoscopy (Davis et al, 2006). Meprobamate may form bezoars (has low water solubility, is stable in gastric and intestinal fluids, and reduces gastrointestinal motility), which may require removal by gastrotomy (North, 1987; Schwartz, 1976; Jenis et al, 1969; Eeckhout et al, 1988).
    2) Absorption of meprobamate is prolonged in overdose, with a mean absorption half life 4 hours in one series of 38 patients (Sauder et al, 1994). Activated charcoal may be of benefit even if delayed.
    D) MULTIPLE DOSE ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
    1) Two studies in human overdoses have shown enhanced elimination of meprobamate by multiple doses of activated charcoal (Hassan, 1986; Linden & Rumack, 1984). Multiple dose activated charcoal has not been shown to affect outcome after meprobamate and its routine use is not recommended. Administration of a second dose of activated charcoal should be considered in patients who are not responding to conventional therapy and in those in whom bezoar formation is suspected.
    2) The clinician should establish that gut motility is present and should observe for evidence of a charcoal stool (North, 1987).
    E) WHOLE BOWEL IRRIGATION
    1) Whole bowel irrigation should be considered in patients who are not responding to conventional therapy and in those in whom bezoar formation is suspected.
    a) WHOLE BOWEL IRRIGATION/INDICATIONS: Whole bowel irrigation with a polyethylene glycol balanced electrolyte solution appears to be a safe means of gastrointestinal decontamination. It is particularly useful when sustained release or enteric coated formulations, substances not adsorbed by activated charcoal, or substances known to form concretions or bezoars are involved in the overdose.
    1) Volunteer studies have shown significant decreases in the bioavailability of ingested drugs after whole bowel irrigation (Tenenbein et al, 1987; Kirshenbaum et al, 1989; Smith et al, 1991). There are no controlled clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of whole bowel irrigation in overdose.
    b) CONTRAINDICATIONS: This procedure should not be used in patients who are currently or are at risk for rapidly becoming obtunded, comatose, or seizing until the airway is secured by endotracheal intubation. Whole bowel irrigation should not be used in patients with bowel obstruction, bowel perforation, megacolon, ileus, uncontrolled vomiting, significant gastrointestinal bleeding, hemodynamic instability or inability to protect the airway (Tenenbein et al, 1987).
    c) ADMINISTRATION: Polyethylene glycol balanced electrolyte solution (e.g. Colyte(R), Golytely(R)) is taken orally or by nasogastric tube. The patient should be seated and/or the head of the bed elevated to at least a 45 degree angle (Tenenbein et al, 1987). Optimum dose not established. ADULT: 2 liters initially followed by 1.5 to 2 liters per hour. CHILDREN 6 to 12 years: 1000 milliliters/hour. CHILDREN 9 months to 6 years: 500 milliliters/hour. Continue until rectal effluent is clear and there is no radiographic evidence of toxin in the gastrointestinal tract.
    d) ADVERSE EFFECTS: Include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and bloating. Fluid and electrolyte status should be monitored, although severe fluid and electrolyte abnormalities have not been reported, minor electrolyte abnormalities may develop. Prolonged periods of irrigation may produce a mild metabolic acidosis. Patients with compromised airway protection are at risk for aspiration.
    6.5.3) TREATMENT
    A) MONITORING OF PATIENT
    1) There are no specific laboratory tests that help manage meprobamate overdose patients.
    2) Meprobamate serum concentrations can be obtained but do not help to manage the acutely ill patient.
    3) Monitor vital signs. Continuous pulse oximetry and venous blood gases can provide information on acid-base status.
    4) Obtain an ECG and repeat as indicated; continuous cardiac monitoring may be necessary in symptomatic patients.
    5) A head CT scan can rule out other causes of CNS depression.
    B) FLUID/ELECTROLYTE BALANCE REGULATION
    1) Use caution with fluid administration, as pulmonary edema has been reported in patients after meprobamate ingestion (Lhoste et al, 1977; Axelson & Hagaman, 1977). Pulmonary artery catheter monitoring is recommended during fluid therapy of hypotension (Eeckhout et al, 1988).
    2) Carefully monitor intravenous fluid therapy and urine output for 48 to 72 hours after the patient has recovered consciousness, normal reflexes, and normal blood pressure.
    C) HYPOTENSIVE EPISODE
    1) Bedside echocardiography and right heart catheterization may be useful to guide therapy in patients with persistent hypotension. Left ventricular dysfunction is common in patients with hypotension secondary to meprobamate poisoning (Charron et al, 2005). Dobutamine may be preferable to vasoconstrictors in these patients. Intravenous fluids should be used judiciously; avoid volume overload.
    2) DOPAMINE
    a) DOSE: Begin at 5 micrograms per kilogram per minute progressing in 5 micrograms per kilogram per minute increments as needed (Prod Info dopamine hcl, 5% dextrose IV injection, 2004). If hypotension persists, dopamine may need to be discontinued and a more potent vasoconstrictor (eg, norepinephrine) should be considered (Prod Info dopamine hcl, 5% dextrose IV injection, 2004).
    b) CAUTION: If ventricular dysrhythmias occur, decrease rate of administration (Prod Info dopamine hcl, 5% dextrose IV injection, 2004). Extravasation may cause local tissue necrosis, administration through a central venous catheter is preferred (Prod Info dopamine hcl, 5% dextrose IV injection, 2004).
    3) NOREPINEPHRINE
    a) PREPARATION: 4 milligrams (1 amp) added to 1000 milliliters of diluent provides a concentration of 4 micrograms/milliliter of norepinephrine base. Norepinephrine bitartrate should be mixed in dextrose solutions (dextrose 5% in water, dextrose 5% in saline) since dextrose-containing solutions protect against excessive oxidation and subsequent potency loss. Administration in saline alone is not recommended (Prod Info norepinephrine bitartrate injection, 2005).
    b) DOSE
    1) ADULT: Dose range: 0.1 to 0.5 microgram/kilogram/minute (eg, 70 kg adult 7 to 35 mcg/min); titrate to maintain adequate blood pressure (Peberdy et al, 2010).
    2) CHILD: Dose range: 0.1 to 2 micrograms/kilogram/minute; titrate to maintain adequate blood pressure (Kleinman et al, 2010).
    3) CAUTION: Extravasation may cause local tissue ischemia, administration by central venous catheter is advised (Peberdy et al, 2010).
    4) DOBUTAMINE
    a) DOSE: ADULT: Infuse at 5 to 10 micrograms/kilogram/minute IV. PEDIATRIC: Infuse at 2 to 20 micrograms/kilogram/minute IV or intraosseous, titrated to desired effect (Peberdy et al, 2010; Kleinman et al, 2010).
    b) CAUTION: Decrease infusion rate if ventricular ectopy develops (Prod Info dobutamine HCl 5% dextrose intravenous injection, 2012).
    D) SEIZURE
    1) Determine etiology; overdose or withdrawal. Seizures occurring after recovery from other symptoms of overdose usually are due to withdrawal. If due to overdose treat as below.
    2) SUMMARY
    a) Attempt initial control with a benzodiazepine (eg, diazepam, lorazepam). If seizures persist or recur, administer phenobarbital or propofol.
    b) Monitor for respiratory depression, hypotension, and dysrhythmias. Endotracheal intubation should be performed in patients with persistent seizures.
    c) Evaluate for hypoxia, electrolyte disturbances, and hypoglycemia (or, if immediate bedside glucose testing is not available, treat with intravenous dextrose).
    3) DIAZEPAM
    a) ADULT DOSE: Initially 5 to 10 mg IV, OR 0.15 mg/kg IV up to 10 mg per dose up to a rate of 5 mg/minute; may be repeated every 5 to 20 minutes as needed (Brophy et al, 2012; Prod Info diazepam IM, IV injection, 2008; Manno, 2003).
    b) PEDIATRIC DOSE: 0.1 to 0.5 mg/kg IV over 2 to 5 minutes; up to a maximum of 10 mg/dose. May repeat dose every 5 to 10 minutes as needed (Loddenkemper & Goodkin, 2011; Hegenbarth & American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs, 2008).
    c) Monitor for hypotension, respiratory depression, and the need for endotracheal intubation. Consider a second agent if seizures persist or recur after repeated doses of diazepam .
    4) NO INTRAVENOUS ACCESS
    a) DIAZEPAM may be given rectally or intramuscularly (Manno, 2003). RECTAL DOSE: CHILD: Greater than 12 years: 0.2 mg/kg; 6 to 11 years: 0.3 mg/kg; 2 to 5 years: 0.5 mg/kg (Brophy et al, 2012).
    b) MIDAZOLAM has been used intramuscularly and intranasally, particularly in children when intravenous access has not been established. ADULT DOSE: 0.2 mg/kg IM, up to a maximum dose of 10 mg (Brophy et al, 2012). PEDIATRIC DOSE: INTRAMUSCULAR: 0.2 mg/kg IM, up to a maximum dose of 7 mg (Chamberlain et al, 1997) OR 10 mg IM (weight greater than 40 kg); 5 mg IM (weight 13 to 40 kg); INTRANASAL: 0.2 to 0.5 mg/kg up to a maximum of 10 mg/dose (Loddenkemper & Goodkin, 2011; Brophy et al, 2012). BUCCAL midazolam, 10 mg, has been used in adolescents and older children (5-years-old or more) to control seizures when intravenous access was not established (Scott et al, 1999).
    5) LORAZEPAM
    a) MAXIMUM RATE: The rate of intravenous administration of lorazepam should not exceed 2 mg/min (Brophy et al, 2012; Prod Info lorazepam IM, IV injection, 2008).
    b) ADULT DOSE: 2 to 4 mg IV initially; repeat every 5 to 10 minutes as needed, if seizures persist (Manno, 2003; Brophy et al, 2012).
    c) PEDIATRIC DOSE: 0.05 to 0.1 mg/kg IV over 2 to 5 minutes, up to a maximum of 4 mg/dose; may repeat in 5 to 15 minutes as needed, if seizures continue (Brophy et al, 2012; Loddenkemper & Goodkin, 2011; Hegenbarth & American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs, 2008; Sreenath et al, 2009; Chin et al, 2008).
    6) PHENOBARBITAL
    a) ADULT LOADING DOSE: 20 mg/kg IV at an infusion rate of 50 to 100 mg/minute IV. An additional 5 to 10 mg/kg dose may be given 10 minutes after loading infusion if seizures persist or recur (Brophy et al, 2012).
    b) Patients receiving high doses will require endotracheal intubation and may require vasopressor support (Brophy et al, 2012).
    c) PEDIATRIC LOADING DOSE: 20 mg/kg may be given as single or divided application (2 mg/kg/minute in children weighing less than 40 kg up to 100 mg/min in children weighing greater than 40 kg). A plasma concentration of about 20 mg/L will be achieved by this dose (Loddenkemper & Goodkin, 2011).
    d) REPEAT PEDIATRIC DOSE: Repeat doses of 5 to 20 mg/kg may be given every 15 to 20 minutes if seizures persist, with cardiorespiratory monitoring (Loddenkemper & Goodkin, 2011).
    e) MONITOR: For hypotension, respiratory depression, and the need for endotracheal intubation (Loddenkemper & Goodkin, 2011; Manno, 2003).
    f) SERUM CONCENTRATION MONITORING: Monitor serum concentrations over the next 12 to 24 hours. Therapeutic serum concentrations of phenobarbital range from 10 to 40 mcg/mL, although the optimal plasma concentration for some individuals may vary outside this range (Hvidberg & Dam, 1976; Choonara & Rane, 1990; AMA Department of Drugs, 1992).
    7) OTHER AGENTS
    a) If seizures persist after phenobarbital, propofol or pentobarbital infusion, or neuromuscular paralysis with general anesthesia (isoflurane) and continuous EEG monitoring should be considered (Manno, 2003). Other anticonvulsants can be considered (eg, valproate sodium, levetiracetam, lacosamide, topiramate) if seizures persist or recur; however, there is very little data regarding their use in toxin induced seizures, controlled trials are not available to define the optimal dosage ranges for these agents in status epilepticus (Brophy et al, 2012):
    1) VALPROATE SODIUM: ADULT DOSE: An initial dose of 20 to 40 mg/kg IV, at a rate of 3 to 6 mg/kg/minute; may give an additional dose of 20 mg/kg 10 minutes after loading infusion. PEDIATRIC DOSE: 1.5 to 3 mg/kg/minute (Brophy et al, 2012).
    2) LEVETIRACETAM: ADULT DOSE: 1000 to 3000 mg IV, at a rate of 2 to 5 mg/kg/min IV. PEDIATRIC DOSE: 20 to 60 mg/kg IV (Brophy et al, 2012; Loddenkemper & Goodkin, 2011).
    3) LACOSAMIDE: ADULT DOSE: 200 to 400 mg IV; 200 mg IV over 15 minutes (Brophy et al, 2012). PEDIATRIC DOSE: In one study, median starting doses of 1.3 mg/kg/day and maintenance doses of 4.7 mg/kg/day were used in children 8 years and older (Loddenkemper & Goodkin, 2011).
    4) TOPIRAMATE: ADULT DOSE: 200 to 400 mg nasogastric/orally OR 300 to 1600 mg/day orally divided in 2 to 4 times daily (Brophy et al, 2012).
    E) DRUG WITHDRAWAL
    1) Death has been reported following sudden meprobamate withdrawal. Withdrawal may occur if the daily ingested dose of meprobamate has reached or exceeded 1200 to 2400 milligrams/day and abuse has occurred over a period of 8 months or longer (Swanson & Okada, 1963).
    2) TAPERING: To withdraw patients whose daily dose is known, slowly taper meprobamate over at least 10 to 14 days by decreasing the dose and/or increasing the dosing interval.
    3) PHENOBARBITAL: An alternative method is to substitute phenobarbital for meprobamate (Smith & Wesson, 1970).
    a) Estimate the patient's total daily dose of meprobamate. Convert that amount of meprobamate to an equivalent amount of phenobarbital. Use the conversion factor 30 milligrams of phenobarbital are equivalent to 400 milligrams of meprobamate.
    b) Give as an initial dose 1/4 of the calculated phenobarbital equivalent. Then, every 6 hours, give that dose (or increase the dose to relieve any abstinence symptoms that may develop).
    c) As soon as the patient has been asymptomatic for 48 hours on a particular maintenance dose of phenobarbital, gradually withdraw the phenobarbital over at least 10 to 14 days.
    d) The phenobarbital withdrawal schedule should remain flexible, so that dosages are reduced without producing withdrawal symptoms.
    4) CLONIDINE: Clonidine (0.1 milligram every 8 hours) was effective in controlling hypertension and agitation in one patient with meprobamate withdrawal (Barkin & Stein, 1992).

Enhanced Elimination

    A) HEMODIALYSIS
    1) Meprobamate is effectively removed by hemodialysis (Maddock & Bloomer, 1967; Hagstam & Lindholm, 1964).
    2) Clearance of up to 100 milliliters/minute have been reported and depend on the efficiency of the dialyzer. Maddock & Bloomer (1967) recommend hemodialysis at plasma levels over 20 milligrams/deciliter (Maddock & Bloomer, 1967).
    B) EXTRACORPOREAL ELIMINATION
    1) Extracorporeal elimination should be considered in those patients (regardless of the blood meprobamate level) who continue to clinically deteriorate (eg; refractory hypotension, pulmonary edema) despite conventional supportive therapy.
    2) The indiscriminate use of extracorporeal drug removal is discouraged and should be reserved for severely symptomatic patients unresponsive to supportive therapy.
    C) DIURESIS
    1) Not recommended. Theoretically only of minimal utility because meprobamate is only 10 to 12 percent renally eliminated unchanged. The remainder is metabolized to inactive metabolites which are then renally eliminated. The risk of pulmonary edema from fluid overload makes this procedure difficult, seldom used, and potentially harmful (Axelson & Hagaman, 1977; Gibson et al, 1974).
    2) CASE REPORT
    a) Forced diuresis was used without complications in one case of massive overdose. Swan-Ganz monitoring was done to evaluate hemodynamic status (Eeckhout et al, 1988).
    D) HEMOPERFUSION
    1) Meprobamate is effectively removed by hemoperfusion (Hoy et al, 1980; Tijssen et al, 1979). Continuous arteriovenous charcoal hemoperfusion may result in dramatic responses in hemodynamically unstable and comatose patients With this technique, a blood flow of 120 mL/min was reported in severe hypotension. Hemoperfusion clearance of meprobamate was reported to be 198 +/-15.6 mL/min with this technique (Lim & Lin, 1995).
    2) CASE REPORTS
    a) An areflexic patient with fixed pupils was hemoperfused for 14 hours using an uncoated charcoal cartridge; after 1 hour 40 minutes of treatment, he began spontaneous movements and respirations, and subsequently survived (Barbour et al, 1975).
    1) Mean hemoperfusion clearances of 134 to 164 mL/min were achieved in 4 patients with severe meprobamate intoxication, compared to a mean renal clearance of 15 to 23 milliliters/minute (calculated in 2 cases).
    2) The amount of meprobamate removed was 1.6 to 6.2 grams. Meprobamate half-life decreased from 8.3 to 2.6 hours in one patient (Jacobsen et al, 1987).
    b) Continuous arteriovenous charcoal hemoperfusion was used to treat a 30-year-old woman with severe hypotension after meprobamate overdose (Lin et al, 1993). With a mean arterial blood pressure of 50 mm/Hg an absolute clearance of 54 mL/minute was achieved. When the blood pressure normalized absolute clearance improved to 199 mL/minute, with an extraction ratio of 0.66.
    c) Following a mixed drug overdose, which included phenprobamate (14.8 grams), a 16-year-old male presented to the ED unconscious, hypotensive (80/40 mmHg), with mydriasis, and difficult respirations. The patient was ventilated. He developed bradycardia leading to cardiac arrest. Following restoration of a normal heart beat, he was started on activated charcoal hemoperfusion, which was performed for 3 hours and repeated after a 6 hour interval for a total of 3 hemoperfusion sessions. Drug serum levels were not measured. Consciousness returned after the first hemoperfusion session. The patient fully recovered over several days (Tasdemir et al, 2002).
    3) RESIN HEMOPERFUSION: Plasma meprobamate extraction ranged from 82 to 100 percent using Amberlite XAD-4 resin (Hoy et al, 1978). Freund (1981) reported a clearance over Amberlite XAD-4 resin of 290 milliliters/minute.
    E) PERITONEAL DIALYSIS
    1) This is not as effective as hemodialysis. Dialysance with this method is only 2.5 to 11 milliliters/minute (Gaultier et al, 1968; Dyment et al, 1965; Maddock & Bloomer, 1967; Mouton et al, 1967).
    F) CONTINUOUS VENOVENOUS HEMODIAFILTRATION
    1) CASE REPORT: A 45-year-old woman, with a history of depressive disorder, was found unresponsive in the street. Ten empty boxes of duloxetine, prazepam, and meprobamate were also found. The patient was lethargic (Glasgow coma scale [GCS] score: 11) and confused upon initial examination with normal vital signs; however, her mental status worsened (GCS score: 3) while being transported to the ED. Her blood pressure dropped (67/41 mmHg) and she was administered fluids and 10 mg of ephedrine without response. The patient remained hypotensive and venous blood gas analysis showed acute respiratory acidosis (pH: 7.29; pCO2: 7.02 kPa; HCO3: 24.7 mmol/L). Serum meprobamate concentration was 146.3 mg/L. Orotracheal intubation and resuscitation with boluses of crystalloids and norepinephrine were initiated. She was then transferred to the ICU and continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) was immediately performed. Arterial hypotension persisted despite fluid resuscitation and norepinephrine administration. CVVHDF (total body clearance: 87 mL/min, with 64 mL/min [74%] due to CVVHDF) was continued for 36 hours with the patient eventually recovered and was transferred to the psychiatric ward 2 days post-admission (Ceschi et al, 2013).

Case Reports

    A) SPECIFIC AGENT
    1) HEXAPROPYMATE
    a) Hexapropymate is a carbamate with pharmacologic properties similar to meprobamate.
    b) One study reported a 28-year-old man who ingested 16 grams, and developed deep coma, respiratory depression, hypothermia, inhalational pneumonia, tachyarrhythmia, lactic acidosis, and urticarial macules. Treatment included: prompt resuscitation, lavage, IV fluids, and good supportive care with a recovery of consciousness in 5 days (Robbins & Brown, 1978a).
    2) MEPROBAMATE
    a) One study reported two cases of pediatric overdose involving a combination product containing meprobamate 200 mg and bendrofluazine 3 mg per tablet. The first case involved a 2.5-year-old who ingested 8 to 10 tablets. The meprobamate plasma level was 158 mg/L at 7 hours postadmission. By 8 hours postadmission, the patient's level of consciousness had improved with spontaneous movement. The second case involved a 2-year-old child admitted 2 hours after ingesting 23 tablets. The patient was alert on arrival and gastric lavage was performed successfully. Shortly after that, the child became unconscious with a meprobamate level of 170 mg/L. Consciousness was regained at 11 hours postadmission with a level of 144 mg/L (Dennison et al, 1985).
    b) A 39-year-old woman who ingested 72 grams of meprobamate was comatose, hypotensive, and hypothermic on admission, and required intubation and mechanical ventilation. Large conglomerates of meprobamate were removed by gastroscopy and continuous gastric lavage. Hemoperfusion was alternated with forced diuresis for 2 days. The plasma meprobamate level decreased from 250 mg/L to 6 mg/L and with recovery of consciousness (Eeckhout et al, 1988).
    c) A 32-year-old female presented to the ED one hour following a suicidal ingestion of 25 grams meprobamate. Rapid cardiovascular compromise, requiring resuscitation, intubation and mechanical ventilation, developed. Shock with decreased arterial blood pressure, refractory to vascular volume expansion and vasopressors, and metabolic acidosis ensued. The patient was comatose (GCS < 5) with reactive bilateral mydriasis. During the next 2 days, O2 saturation decreased to as low as 60%, requiring supplemental oxygen. Acute pulmonary edema with cardiac failure developed and the patient died in cardiogenic shock with refractory cardiac arrest (Peyriere et al, 1998).

Summary

    A) TOXICITY: No strict rule can describe a meprobamate dose that will be fatal in a specific person. Fatalities have been reported after ingestions of as little as 12 to 20 grams while survival has occurred after doses as large as 40 grams. Most patients recover with good supportive care.
    B) THERAPEUTIC DOSE: MEPROBAMATE: ADULTS: Up to 400 mg 3 to 4 times daily by mouth. MAX: 2400 mg/day. CHILDREN (6 to 12 years of age): 100 mg to 200 mg 2 to 3 times daily by mouth. Meprobamate is not recommended in children under 6 years of age.

Therapeutic Dose

    7.2.1) ADULT
    A) SPECIFIC SUBSTANCE
    1) MEPROBAMATE -
    a) Up to 400 milligrams three or four times a day orally (Boyd, 1986; Prod Info Miltown(R), meprobamate, 1998).
    b) Doses larger than 2400 milligrams per day are not recommended (Boyd, 1986; Prod Info Miltown(R), meprobamate, 1998).
    7.2.2) PEDIATRIC
    A) SPECIFIC SUBSTANCE
    1) MEPROBAMATE -
    a) Children 6 to 12 years - 100 to 200 milligrams given orally 2 or 3 times per day (Boyd, 1986).
    b) Children less than 6 years - Not recommended (Boyd, 1986; Prod Info Miltown(R), meprobamate, 1998).

Minimum Lethal Exposure

    A) GENERAL/SUMMARY
    1) No strict rule can be stated to describe the quantity of meprobamate that will be lethal in a given individual.
    2) Fatalities have been reported after ingestions of 12 grams and 20 grams (Powell et al, 1958; Schou, 1959). One fatality was reported following the suicidal ingestion of 36 grams (Kintz et al, 1988) and another fatality following a 25 gram ingestion (Peyriere et al, 1998).

Maximum Tolerated Exposure

    A) MEPROBAMATE
    1) GENERAL: Clinical signs of intoxication during an observation period are the most reliable means of determining the degree of meprobamate poisoning.
    2) TOXIC AMOUNTS: Patients have ingested between 10 and 40 grams of meprobamate and have recovered (Powell et al, 1958; Hiestand, 1956) Woodward, 1957).
    3) FACTORS WHICH ALTER TOXICITY: In the overall population, some persons can acetylate the drug rapidly ("fast acetylators") and thereby detoxify it quickly, whereas others acetylate meprobamate more slowly ("slow acetylators").
    4) CASE REPORT: Following the ingestion of 72 grams meprobamate, a 39-year-old female presented to the ED with marked respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and cardiovascular collapse (blood pressure, 70/49 mmHg). The patient was successfully treated with cardiac inotropic support (dopamine), volume controlled ventilation, gastric lavage with activated charcoal, and hemoperfusion alternating with forced diuresis (Eeckhout et al, 1988).
    5) CASE REPORT: A 16-year-old male with a mixed ingestion overdose, including 14.8 grams of phenprobamate, developed coma, respiratory failure, and pulmonary edema but recovered following hemoperfusion and supportive care (Tasdemir et al, 2002).
    B) PHENBROMATE
    1) CASE REPORT: A 27-year-old woman developed neurotoxicity, mild leukocytosis, hyperbilirubinemia, and elevated alkaline phosphatase 2.5 hours after ingesting 8 grams of phenprobamate. Despite hemodialysis for 3 hours, her condition did not improve. Following supportive care, she recovered and was discharged on day 5 (Emet et al, 2009).

Serum Plasma Blood Concentrations

    7.5.1) THERAPEUTIC CONCENTRATIONS
    A) THERAPEUTIC CONCENTRATION LEVELS
    1) GENERAL
    a) Therapeutic blood levels are reported to range from 0.5 to 2.0 mg% (Prod Info Miltown(R), meprobamate, 1998).
    b) Therapeutic plasma levels have been reported to range up to 10 mcg/mL (Mangin et al, 1989).
    7.5.2) TOXIC CONCENTRATIONS
    A) TOXIC CONCENTRATION LEVELS
    1) TOXICITY
    a) Mild to moderate overdose symptoms (stupor or light coma) - blood levels are usually in the range of 3 to 10 mg% (Prod Info meprobamate oral tablet, 2004) or 60 to 120 mg/L (Buire et al, 2009; Dennison et al, 1985).
    b) Severe overdose symptoms (deeper coma) - blood levels are usually in the range of 10 to 20 mg% (Prod Info meprobamate oral tablet, 2004) or 100 to 240 mg/L (Buire et al, 2009; Dennison et al, 1985; Maddock & Bloomer, 1967).
    c) One study reported peak plasma concentrations of 800 (176), 816 (180), 863 (190) and 923 micromoles/L (203 mg/liter) in 4 patients, respectively, who survived without sequelae (Jacobsen et al, 1987).
    d) PEDIATRICS: Plasma meprobamate concentrations exceeded 100 mg/liter in 2 pre-school children. A peak of 170 mg/liter and 158 mg/liter, respectively, was reported in a 2-year-old and a 2.5-year-old. Both children were comatose and recovered with conservative treatment (Dennison et al, 1985).
    2) FATALITIES
    a) At levels greater than 20 mg%, more fatalities than survivals may be expected (Prod Info meprobamate oral tablet, 2004).
    b) Fatalities have been reported with levels of 120 to 342 mcg/mL (Felby, 1970; Lambert et al, 1992). A fatality with a blood meprobamate level of 88.2 mcg/mL has been reported (Mangin et al, 1989).

Toxicity Information

    7.7.1) TOXICITY VALUES
    A) MEPROBAMATE
    1) LD50- (ORAL)MOUSE:
    a) 750 mg/kg (RTECS , 2002)
    2) LD50- (ORAL)RAT:
    a) 794 mg/kg (RTECS , 2002)
    B) PHENPROBAMATE
    1) LD50- (ORAL)MOUSE:
    a) 840 mg/kg (RTECS , 2002)
    2) LD50- (INTRAPERITONEAL)RAT:
    a) 275 mg/kg (RTECS , 2002)
    3) LD50- (ORAL)RAT:
    a) 1110 mg/kg (RTECS , 2002)

Pharmacologic Mechanism

    A) PHARMACOLOGY: Meprobamate depresses central nervous system (CNS) function similar to the barbiturates through GABA-A receptor interaction. At high concentrations it causes chloride ion infusion. Additional precise mechanisms remain unclear, but it appears to inhibit interneurons in the hypothalamus, thalamus, limbic system, and spinal cord. It does not act on the medulla, reticular activating system, or autonomic nervous system and does not cause anesthesia. The skeletal muscle relaxing effects are due to CNS depression (Gonzalez et al, 2009; Buire et al, 2009).

Toxicologic Mechanism

    A) Extremely high doses induce general anesthesia with resultant respiratory, vasomotor, and CNS depression. Death results from respiratory failure and refractory hypotension due to either direct arterial dilatation, direct myocardial depression, and/or indirectly from excessive skeletal muscle relaxation (Ehlers, 1963); Blumberg et al, 1959).
    B) Kintz et al (1988) report finding a significant accumulation of meprobamate in skeletal muscle, particularly in the myocardium in a fatal ingestion case. The authors speculate that a direct action of meprobamate may result in cardiovascular failure observed in acute intoxication (Kintz et al, 1988).

Molecular Weight

    A) 218.3 (meprobamate)
    B) 179.2 (phenprobamate)

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