Be aware of critical drugs in emergency departments: An extreme iatrogenic insulin overdose via subcutaneous and intramuscular routes

Yıl 2021, Cilt: 12 Sayı: 2, 37 - 40, 11.06.2021

Figen Coşkun Sevilay Vural Oğuz Eroğlu Ertan Cömertpay Şenay Arıkan Durmaz

https://doi.org/10.33706/jemcr.834296

Cited By: 1

Öz

Introduction: Insulin is a highly used parenteral medication in emergency departments. Although most severe insulin overdoses occur as suicide attempts, medication errors can be the reason. We aimed to highlight the potential medication errors in emergency departments due to the poor control of critical drugs like insulin and the similarities between the brand names of drugs, as we experienced during this case.
Case Report: We present a 75-year-old diabetic woman with an extreme insulin overdose. A total of 3000 UI of insulin was administered by subcutaneous and intramuscular routes. She developed typical and atypical episodes of hypoglycemia requiring intravenous dextrose, a high-calorie diet, and glucagon administration. Almost all of the classic side effects of glucagon occurred during her intensive care unit follow-up. She recovered without any sequela or recurrence of hypoglycemia at the end of 5 days of admission.
Conclusion: Insulin overdose can be a life-threatening condition by causing hypoglycemia. Albeit rare, insulin overdose can occur as a medication error in hospitals. To prevent such incidents for emergency departments, the medication errors should be objectively laid out, and proactive strategies should be integrated without adversely affecting acute care.

Anahtar Kelimeler

insulin, overdose, misadministration, critical drugs, emergency department, medication error

Kaynakça

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