Authors
Sayaka Nagasawa, Go Inokuchi, Haruna Tokitomo, Hiroshi Okada, Hirotaro Iwase
Published in
Journal of analytical toxicology. Jul 15, 2026. Epub Jul 15, 2026.
Abstract
We report a case of a previously healthy 3-year-old girl who developed acute altered consciousness, agitation, and visual hallucinations consistent with an anticholinergic toxidrome. Initial examinations were unremarkable, and urine immunoassay screening (SIGNIFY™ ER) was negative. Serum analysis by liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF/MS) identified chlorpheniramine and scopolamine, while excluding other agents. Concentrations were 370 ng/mL for chlorpheniramine and 1 ng/mL for scopolamine, both near reported toxic ranges. An empty blister pack of 22 pediatric motion sickness tablets was found at the patient's home, confirming accidental overdose of an over-the-counter (OTC) anti-motion sickness medication. This case demonstrates the diagnostic utility of high-resolution mass spectrometry in pediatric poisoning, particularly for drugs not detected by routine screening. It represents a rare report documenting quantitative confirmation of both chlorpheniramine and scopolamine in a child, with correlation between serum concentrations and clinical presentation. Scopolamine is highly toxic even at low concentrations, and pediatric cases with measured blood levels are exceedingly rare. Our findings highlight the need to consider additive or synergistic toxicity in OTC formulations containing multiple anticholinergic agents and emphasize the importance of caregiver education regarding the potential risks of OTC medications often perceived as safe.
PMID:
42458206
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 16 Jul 2026.
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