Beyond the obvious: paediatric methadone toxicity with benzodiazepine co-exposure
Abstract
A previously healthy young male infant presented to the emergency department in a comatose state with clinical signs suggestive of opioid toxicity. Despite early mechanical ventilation and continuous naloxone infusion, neurological improvement was limited. Brain MRI confirmed toxic encephalopathy. Subsequent urine toxicology revealed co-ingestion of methadone and benzodiazepines, prompting the sequential addition of flumazenil, which led to full neurological recovery. This case highlights the critical importance of investigating co-ingestions when response to initial antidote therapy is inadequate, underscores the diagnostic role of neuroimaging in toxic encephalopathy, and emphasises the necessity of safe drug storage practices.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Poisoning and overdose treatments
Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis
Prenatal Substance Exposure Effects
Publication details
- Journal / source
- BMJ Case Reports
- Publisher
- BMJ
- Volume
- 19
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- e271511–e271511
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN