Anticholinergic syndrome after atropine overdose in a supposedly homeopathic solution: a case report

Abstract

Background

A 53-year-old male with no pre-existing conditions and no permanent medication presented to our emergency department with an anticholinergic syndrome including confusion, anxiety, ataxia and dysarthria after ingestion of a homeopathic solution containing Atropa belladonna extract supposedly in a D4 dilution.

Methods

Atropine sulphate was quantitatively analysed in serum and the homeopathic preparation via liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Results

Analysis revealed concentrations of approximately 3 mg/mL atropine sulphate in the homeopathic solution and a serum level of 5.7 ng/mL (±1.4) in the patient’s blood proving a 600-fold overdose of atropine due to a production error of the homeopathic dilution. The patient was observed and recovered without further intervention.

Conclusion

Rare but possibly dangerous manufacturing errors should be considered when faced with symptoms occurring after ingestion of homeopathic or holistic remedies.

Keywords:

• Atropa belladonna
• atropine overdose
• anticholinergic syndrome
• homeopathic solution
• medication error

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).