Meprobamate is a non-barbiturate hypnotic/tranquillizer, first used clinically in 1955. One preparation (Tenavoid; Edwin Burgess) contains meprobamate and bendrofluazide and is prescribed for pre-menstrual tension.
In adults therapeutic plasma meprobamate concentrations range up to 10 mg/l and unwanted side-effects occur at greater than 40 mg/l. Light coma occurs at 60-120 mg/l and deep coma at 100-240 mg/l (Baselt, 1982). There are no data on toxic plasma concentrations in children. We report two cases of overdosage in children who regained consciousness at times when plasma meprobamate concentrations were greater than 100 mg/l.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Baselt, R.C. (1982). Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man , 2nd edn. Davis, California , USA: Biochemical Publications.
2.
Vale, J.A. & Meredith, T.J. (1981) (eds). Poisoning: Diagnosis and TreatmentLondon: Update Books .
