Synthetic Cathinone Exposures Reported to Texas Poison Centers

BACKGROUND: Among the novel classes of synthetic "designer" drugs that have become increasingly popular among recreational drug users are synthetic cathinones. There is limited information on exposures to these substances. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this investigation was to describe the pattern of synthetic cathinone exposures reported to a statewide poison center network. METHODS: Synthetic cathinone exposures reported to Texas poison centers during 2010-2011 were identified and the distribution by various demographic and clinical factors determined. RESULTS: Of 362 total calls, 84.5% of the patients were 20 years or older and 74.0% male. The route of exposure was 47.8% by inhalation alone and 28.7% by ingestion alone. Other substances were involved in 19.3% of the exposures. The patient was already at or en route to a health-care facility in 75.1% of the exposures. The outcome was serious (moderate, major, potentially toxic, or death) in 74.0% of the exposures. The most frequently reported clinical effects were tachycardia (45.9%), agitation (39.2%), hypertension (21.0%), hallucinations (17.7%), and confusion (13.0%). The most common treatments were IV fluids (53.6%), benzodiazepines (40.9%), oxygen (11.0%), and other sedatives (7.5%). CONCLUSION: Synthetic cathinone exposures reported to Texas poison centers tended to occur through inhalation or ingestion, involve adult and male patients, be managed at health-care facilities, and involve potentially serious outcomes. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: This study adds to the limited information currently available on synthetic cathinone exposures.