Amitraz Poisoning: The not so (Un)common Poisoning

Abstract

Amitraz is a widely used insecticide and antiparasitic drug. It can cause poisoning in humans via oral, inhalation, and dermal routes. Clinical features hence produced may mimic organophosphate (OP) poisoning because of several shared features (miosis, bradycardia, hypotension) along with a history of possible insecticide poisoning. But the presence of hyperglycemia, hypothermia, and reduced gastrointestinal motility along with normal serum cholinesterase levels and the absence of fasciculations and a hypersecretory state (salivation, lacrimation, perspiration, and diarrhea) point against OP poisoning. Analysis of the poison container also helps confirm the poison. Management is mostly supportive with a good prognosis.

Un efecto novedoso del extracto acuoso de semillas de Pimpinella anisum sobre garrapatas de perros domésticos (Canis lupus familiaris)

“…Cuando el extracto acuoso se aplicó sobre garrapatas adheridas a perros domésticos, ocasionó que éstas se desprendieran, lo cual sugiere que el extracto acuoso de semillas de P. anisum, genera inmovilización; este efecto ocasiona que las garrapatas se desprendan de la piel de los perros domésticos, al igual que el Amitraz (testigo positivo en este estudio). El Amitraz es un producto ampliamente utilizado para el tratamiento de garrapatas en animales domésticos, desafortunadamente el uso extensivo de este producto ha ocasionado que ciertas especies de garrapatas como la Rhipicephalus microplus se vuelva resistente (38) , además es un producto que puede causar envenenamiento por inhalación y por contacto dérmico (39) .…”

Amitraz Poisoning: An Emerging and yet Underestimated Poison—A Review

“…Since there are no randomized trials, no conclusions can be drawn on the ideal management strategy for this poisoning. [63][64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73][74] conclusIon Amitraz poisoning occurs in either accidental or suicidal manner and is more common in children than adults. Majority of the cases have been reported from Turkey, though there has been a recent rise in the number of cases reported from South Africa and India.…”

Severe Amitraz Poisoning: A Case of Successful Emergency Intervention

“…Human exposure to Amitraz can occur intentionally or accidentally through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion. Its clinical presentation can resemble clonidine poisoning due to its α2 adrenergic agonist action, as well as organophosphate/carbamate poisoning [1,4,5]. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has described it under Group C carcinogens, suggesting possible carcinogenicity and also as a moderately toxic compound via the dermal route, and as a slightly toxic compound via oral and inhalation route for humans [4,5].…”

“…Its clinical presentation can resemble clonidine poisoning due to its α2 adrenergic agonist action, as well as organophosphate/carbamate poisoning [1,4,5]. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has described it under Group C carcinogens, suggesting possible carcinogenicity and also as a moderately toxic compound via the dermal route, and as a slightly toxic compound via oral and inhalation route for humans [4,5]. Healthcare workers appear to have an inadequate awareness of the toxicity and treatment of Amitraz, which, coupled with mostly uneventful recoveries in reported cases, may contribute to the underreporting of Amitraz poisoning incidents.…”

“…Healthcare workers appear to have an inadequate awareness of the toxicity and treatment of Amitraz, which, coupled with mostly uneventful recoveries in reported cases, may contribute to the underreporting of Amitraz poisoning incidents. To date, only a few deaths have been documented in the medical literature attributed to Amitraz poisoning [4][5][6]. In this case report, we detail the successful treatment of a severe Amitraz poisoning case upon arrival.…”