Letter to the Editor

Response to Self-Poisoning with Pet Medications

Authors: Sean M. Bryant, MD, Mark B. Mycyk, MD

Abstract

To the Editor:


We welcome Ashawesh et al’s1 contribution to the growing body of published literature on human overdoses with pet prescription medications,1–4 although their single case is not the first as they claim. As we reported earlier in our case series in 2002, the recent exponential increase in prescribed pet medications and their open availability in so many homes today make these exposures more common even if uncommonly reported.2 We agree with the authors’ recommendation to consider pets in the home when evaluating overdose patients and directly quote the final line from our own 2002 case series: “Obtaining a pet history may provide critical information in the assessment of a patient with a suspected overdose.”2

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References

1. Ashawesh K, Abdulqawi R, Ahmad S. Self-poisoning with pet medications. South Med J 2007;100:854.
 
2. Bryant SM, Mycyk MB. Human exposure to pet prescription medications. Vet Hum Toxicol 2002;44:218–219.
 
3. Clutton RE. Attempted suicide with acepromazine maleate: a case report. Vet Hum Toxicol 1985;27:391.
 
4. Stowell LI. Suicide with the veterinary drug acepromazine. J Anal Toxicol 1998;22:166–168.