Hydroxocobalamin for poisoning caused by ingestion of potassium cyanide: a case study

J Emerg Med. 2010 Sep;39(3):320-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2008.04.040. Epub 2008 Jun 13.

Abstract

Hydroxocobalamin, a precursor of vitamin B12, has a history of use in the prehospital setting in France for cyanide poisoning, particularly that associated with smoke inhalation. Because cyanide poisoning by ingestion is less common than smoke inhalation-associated cyanide poisoning, less information is available on prehospital use of hydroxocobalamin to treat cyanide poisoning by ingestion. This report describes a case of prehospital use of hydroxocobalamin for poisoning by ingestion of cyanide. The case supports the efficacy of hydroxocobalamin for acute cyanide poisoning caused by ingestion of a cyanide salt. No adverse events attributed to hydroxocobalamin were observed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antidotes / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxocobalamin / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Potassium Cyanide / poisoning*
  • Suicide, Attempted
  • Vitamin B Complex / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antidotes
  • Vitamin B Complex
  • Potassium Cyanide
  • Hydroxocobalamin