3-Quinuclidinyl Benzilate Poisoning Medication

  • Author: Christopher P Holstege, MD; Chief Editor: Robert G Darling, MD, FACEP   more...
 
Updated: Mar 16, 2010
 

Medication Summary

No specific antidote has been found to reverse the action of QNB definitively. In the past, physostigmine was used to reverse the effects of anticholinergic agents. However, numerous adverse effects associated with its use in reversing poisonings are reported in the literature. Subsequently, the use of physostigmine has diminished greatly in the setting of acute anticholinergic toxicity. Use of physostigmine in QNB poisoning has been studied. However, its efficacy in QNB intoxication and its adverse effect potential have not been delineated definitively. At this time, supportive care is the mainstay of therapy. If the exposed patient is markedly agitated, consider administration of a benzodiazepine.

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Benzodiazepines

Class Summary

Consider in patients sustaining exposure to QNB and presenting with marked agitation.

Diazepam (Valium, Diastat)

 

Depresses all levels of CNS (eg, limbic and reticular formation), possibly by increasing activity of GABA. Induces sedation and helps cease seizure activity.

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Antidote, anticholinergic agents

Class Summary

These agents prolong the central and peripheral effects of acetylcholine.

Physostigmine

 

Inhibits destruction of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase, which facilitates transmission of impulses across myoneural junction.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Christopher P Holstege, MD  Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Virginia; Director, Division of Medical Toxicology, Center of Clinical Toxicology; Medical Director, Blue Ridge Poison Ctr, Associate Medical Toxicology Fellowship Director, VA Dept of Health

Christopher P Holstege, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Clinical Toxicology, American Academy of Emergency Medicine, American College of Emergency Physicians, American College of Medical Toxicology, European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists, Medical Society of Virginia, Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, Society of Toxicology, and Wilderness Medical Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Jennifer S Boyle, MD, PharmD  Fellow in Toxicology, University of Virginia Health System

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Suzanne White, MD  Medical Director, Regional Poison Control Center at Children's Hospital, Program Director of Medical Toxicology, Associate Professor, Departments of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine

Suzanne White, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Clinical Toxicology, American College of Epidemiology, American College of Medical Toxicology, American Medical Association, and Michigan State Medical Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine

Disclosure: eMedicine Salary Employment

Rick Kulkarni, MD 

Rick Kulkarni, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Emergency Medicine, American College of Emergency Physicians, American Medical Association, American Medical Informatics Association, Phi Beta Kappa, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: WebMD Salary Employment

John D Halamka, MD, MS  Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Chief Information Officer, CareGroup Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School; Attending Physician, Division of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

John D Halamka, MD, MS is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians, American Medical Informatics Association, Phi Beta Kappa, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Robert G Darling, MD, FACEP  Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Military and Emergency Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F Edward Hebert School of Medicine; Associate Director, Center for Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance Medicine

Robert G Darling, MD, FACEP is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians, American Medical Association, American Telemedicine Association, and Association of Military Surgeons of the US

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References
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