PubMedNaunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology2026-08-06
Pseudoephedrine poisoning reported to German poison centers: analysis of documented patient cases and the particular vulnerability of infants and toddlers.
Gezgin Funda F, Eyer Florian F, Zorn Gabriel G, Schaper Andreas A et al.
Poison centers (PCs) in Germany are medical facilities that serve as points of contact for cases of poisoning or suspected poisoning and are available by phone 24 h a day. Consultations are provided by physicians who have completed specialized training in toxicology. Members of the public, healthcare professionals, and institutions with questions regarding toxicology can seek advice from the PCs. Over-the-counter medicines play an important role when contacting the PCs. These include pseudoephedrine (PSE), an indirect sympathomimetic, which is used in Germany as a combination preparation for the treatment of cold and flu symptoms and for the symptomatic treatment of allergic rhinitis. In Germany, PSE is combined with acetylsalicylic acid, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen, as well as with first- and second-generation H1 receptor antagonists. PSE has a decongestant effect on the mucous membranes of the nose and sinuses but also has stimulating effects and causes a feeling of alertness. This study includes an analysis of PSE poisoning cases reported to German PCs. They were asked to provide information on documented cases of PSE poisoning. Three of the seven centers surveyed provided their data (Erfurt 136 cases, Göttingen 175 cases, and Munich 210 cases, overall n = 521). The individual cases were then analyzed in terms of various aspects. The patient cases analyzed revealed age-related differences, with a higher incidence in childhood, particularly among children under 6 years of age. There were also indications of gender-specific differences. At the PC Erfurt, cardiovascular and neurological events predominate, with a male dominance. In Munich, neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms predominated. However, a high proportion of cases with unknown gender made gender-specific classification difficult. In Germany, young children up to the age of six are more severely affected despite contraindications and account for a significant proportion of inquiries to PCs. In recent years, PCs in Germany have reported an increase in cases of poisoning involving PSE combination preparations. A variety of symptoms have been observed in connection with PSE poisoning. As a preventive measure, it would be advisable for physicians-particularly pediatricians-and pharmacists to provide better patient education to raise awareness of the risks. Public platforms could also be used to conduct more educational outreach. Overall, the clinical relevance of PSE poisoning is evident from the present findings, which therefore require increased attention. PCs play an important role in this regard by providing acute consultation and systematically collecting data. However, the present findings should be interpreted in light of the limited data available to PCs.