Methamphetamine-induced toxicity: hyperthermia

Q: Acetaminophen is the first line of drugs in hyperthermia from acute methamphetamine intoxication.

A) True

B) False

Answer: B

Acetaminophen has no impact on acute intoxication from methamphetamine. This is because hyperthermia in this situation is due to high muscular activity and not a disturbance in hypothalamic temperature set point. Benzodiazepines and plus/minus neuromuscular blockade may be required. High muscular activity causes dehydration and requires aggressive fluid resuscitation.

Non-pharmacological interventions such as cooling blankets or evaporative cooling techniques are highly helpful. Lipid emulsion therapy is also suggested.

#toxicology

References:

1. Pillai S, Cesarz B, Boulware C, Khan A. Hypotension, Severe Hyperthermia (42°C), Rhabdomyolysis, and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Induced by Lethal Dose of Methamphetamine. Cureus. 2019;11(7):e5245. Published 2019 Jul 26. doi:10.7759/cureus.5245

2. Matsumoto RR, Seminerio MJ, Turner RC, et al. Methamphetamine-induced toxicity: an updated review on issues related to hyperthermia. Pharmacol Ther. 2014;144(1):28-40. doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2014.05.001