The Relationship between Rhabdomyolysis and Alcohol Ingestion in Doxylamine Intoxicated Patients

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Doxylamine is commonly used for relief of insomnia; in addition, it is also a drug that is freguently used for intoxication in Korea. This drug is relatively safe; however, it is known to occasionally induce rhabdomyolysis. We have seen many cases of alcohol ingestion in doxylamine intoxications; however, few previous studies have documented the effects of alcohol on rhabdomyolysis. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the effect of alcohol on rhabdomyolysis in doxylamine intoxicated patients. METHODS: This study was conducted on 91 patients admitted to an emergency department after doxylamine intoxication during the period from January 2001 to March 2012. Using the protocol developed beforehand, the amount of drug ingestion, past history, laboratory results, and whether or not alcohol was ingested were recorded. Rhabdomyolysis was defined as serum creatine kinase (CK) over 1,000 U/L. The SPSS package with logistic regression, t-test, and Fisher's test was used for analysis of data. RESULTS: Alcohol ingestion was detected in 52% of the study patients. The presence of hematuria and alcohol ingestion showed a significant association with development of rhabdomyolysis. CONCLUSION: Doxylamine intoxicated patients with alcohol ingestion may have a high rate of incidence of rhabdomyolysis. Therefore, doxylamine intoxicated patients who drink alcohol at the same time should be aware of rhabdomyolysis.