ABSTRACT
Acute carbamazepine intoxication represents a pediatric emergency case with symptoms of CNS depression, seizures and water retention. A symptomatic, maintenance treatment is recommended. Taking into account some of the pharmacodynamic properties of this drug (low volume distribution, and antidiuretic activity) we propose a treatment protocol by means of forced diuresis and peritoneal dialysis. This is a preliminary report of the first four cases treated in this way. Objective assessment of intoxication and response to treatment were made based upon urine and blood determinations of the drug. In three cases cure was obtained with a single dose of furosemide; the fourth patient who was critically ill, was dialyzed and improvement was observed 12 hours after. In spite of the reduced number of patients studied, results obtained allow us to conclude that this procedure is advisable in the treatment of carbamazepine intoxication cases.
