Carbofuran Intoxication in Males, Also Called Cat Killer Pills

Abstract

Carbofuran is a frequently used insecticide, acaricide, and nematicide that is used in the field of agriculture all around the world. Presently, carbofuran is commonly used in malicious poisoning. It is among the class of insecticides that are used to eradicate soil-dwelling pests from crops. Approximately 20,000 tonnes of this product is used annually. As effective as it is in controlling insects, it has notorious side effects on humans and is now introduced as "Cat Killer Pills." A 26-year-old male, a healthy student of 12th standard, presented with a suicidal attempt with this 'Cat Killer Pill.' 6 hours after ingestion, he experienced weakness, fatigue, sweating, breathing difficulties, and disorientation. He was initially treated at another hospital, where he was intubated due to a suppressed respiratory system. Upon presentation, he was intubated. He was treated with Atropine and Pralidoxime, which helped in his cure. The results of this study suggest that in addition to the cholinolytic effects of atropine, Pralidoxime may prevent and antagonize the acute toxicity of carbofuran by reactivating cholinesterase and rapid elimination of carbofuran.