A Case of Nonfatal Intoxication Associated with the Recreational use of Diphenidine.
Enrico Gerace, Elena Bovetto, Daniele Di Corcia, Marco Vincenti, Alberto Salomone
Journal of Forensic Sciences July 1, 2017 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13355 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractDiphenidine, a dissociative drug, can cause euphoria, hallucinations, and anterograde amnesia. A 30-year-old man was hospitalized in a confused and agitated state after taking it. He had a rapid heart rate, small pupils, and elevated body temperature and breathing rate. Diphenidine was found in his plasma at 308 ng/mL and urine at 631 ng/mL; methylphenidate and diclazepam were also present. His symptoms resolved with symptomatic treatment. The case indicates acute intoxication from recreational diphenidine abuse.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | 30-year-old Caucasian male |
| Keywords | Designer drugs Diphenidine Dissociative drugs Forensic science Intoxication |
| Key finding | Acute intoxication from recreational diphenidine abuse was confirmed by toxicological analysis and clinical presentation. |
Abstract
Diphenidine is a dissociative drug that shows several psychotropic effects including euphoria, shifts in perception of reality, hallucinations, and transient anterograde amnesia. In this study, a case of acute intoxication occurring after diphenidine intake is reported. A 30-year-old Caucasian male was hospitalized after he was found in a confused and agitated state and unable to communicate. The physical examination displayed tachycardia, miotic pupils, and increased both body temperature and respiratory rate. After a liquid-liquid extraction procedure, GC/MS analysis revealed the presence of diphenidine in plasma and urine at concentrations of 308 and 631 ng/mL, respectively. Methylphenidate and diclazepam were also detected in the plasma. The clinical progress of the patient was favorable, and his symptoms were cured with a symptomatic treatment. The combined circumstantial elements and toxicological results of the case reported revealed the occurrence of an acute intoxication ascribable to the recreational abuse of diphenidine.