Amitraz poisoning--an unusual pesticide poisoning.

AIMS OF THE STUDY To report the clinical features, laboratory findings and the management instituted for the patients with acute Amitraz Poisoning. METHODS AND MATERIAL Three cases of acute Amitraz Intoxication were studied and compared with previous reports from the literature. RESULTS All the three female cases were brought to our hospital with age ranging from 2 years to 40 years, consumed poison by oral route. The ingested amount was ranging from 15 ml to 30 ml. Giddiness and vomiting were the prominent symptoms, next were drowsiness, irritability and respiratory distress. Two cases revealed gastric dilatation. Except hyperglycaemia and glucosuria other laboratory parameters were normal. Unconscious patient's CT brain revealed brain edema. One patient with hypotension improvement with i.v. fluids administration. All the patients recovered completely. DISCUSSION Formamidines show toxic effects on both humans and animals. Amitraz is slightly toxic. Amitraz shows hepatotoxic, CNS stimulative or depressive effects. It can cause gastric stasis. Amitraz leads to rise in plasma glucose level and suppress insulin release. Decreased body temperature is due to inhibitory effect of Amitraz on Prostaglandin E2 synthesis. Even after poisoning by potentially lethal dose of Amitraz, studies have reported complete recovery. As there is no specific antidote for Amitraz Poisoning the medical management with O2 supplementation, airway maintenance, proper hydration and supportive management are the key factors for complete recovery of the patient. Public Health Education and instructions to drug producing companies will be necessary to decrease the incidence of Amitraz Poisoning.