Adult Atomoxetine Ingestions Reported to Texas Poison Control Centers,2003–2005

Abstract

Background:

Limited information exists on outcomes from adult ingestions of atomoxetine reported to poison control centers.

Objective:

To identify factors that might affect the outcome of adult atomoxetine ingestions reported to poison control centers.

Methods:

Using adult ingestions of atomoxetine alone reported to Texas poison control centers during 2003–2005, the proportion of cases involving serious outcomes was determined for selected variables and evaluated for statistical significance by calculating the rate ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results:

Of 64 cases identified, 9 (14%) involved serious outcomes. No serious outcomes were reported with a maximum dose of 100 mg or less. Serious outcomes were significantly more likely to occur with a maximum dose of more than 2 capsules (RR 8.25; 95% CI 1.48 to 83.58), where the circumstances of the exposures involved self-harm or malicious intent (RR 6.02; 95% CI 1.30 to 30.35) or when the patient was already at or en route to a healthcare facility when the poison control center was contacted (RR 18.75; 95% CI 2.10 to 886.83) or was referred to a healthcare facility by the poison control center (RR 22.50; 95% CI 1.81 to 1181.19).

Conclusions:

The severity of the outcomes associated with adult atomoxetine ingestions depended on the dose taken and the circumstances of the ingestion. The management of patients with serious outcomes was more likely to involve healthcare facilities. Such information is useful in creating triage guidelines for the management of adult atomoxetine ingestions.