Journal of Clinical Toxicology
Open Access

Abstract

Acute Imidacloprid Poisoning Caused Prolong Depression of Butyrylcholinesterase

Chih-Chuan Lin, Jen-Hou Li and Te-Fa Chiu

Background: Imidacloprid is currently one of the most widely used insecticides in the world. To the best of our knowledge, there is no study showing that imidacloprid decreases the butyrylcholinesterase activity in humans. However, here we present a case of suicide attempt by imidacloprid with prolong depression of butyrylcholinesterase activity.

Case Report: This is an observational case report of a patient attempted suicide by unknown pesticides. Pralidoxime and atropine were administrated under the impression of organophosphate poisoning based on the depression of butyrylcholinesterase activity. However, due to the patient’s atypical presentation for organophosphate poisoning, pralidoxime was stopped and patient’s condition was getting stable under supportive treatment. Patient’s urine sample revealed the presence of imidacloprid but not other pesticides. Serial false depressions of butyrylcholinesterase activity were also detected in our patient.