Case of acute akathisia from intravenous metoclopramide.

Journal Title: Singapore Medical Journal - Year 2011, Vol 52, Issue 1

Abstract

Intravenous (IV) metoclopramide is a frequently prescribed medication in the emergency department (ED). Extrapyramidal side effects like tardive dyskinesia are known to develop with chronic use of metoclopramide, while acute akathisia is a lesser known side effect following IV administration. Akathisia is characterised by a sensation of restlessness and distress, as well as constant, non-purposeful limb movement. It can present as a diagnostic challenge, cause distress and hinder the management of the primary condition of the patient in the ED. However, akathisia can be readily reversible, with a successful patient outcome if promptly diagnosed. We report a case of acute akathisia in a young female patient after IV bolus metoclopramide was administered to treat her gastroenteritis in our ED. We highlight the diagnostic process, the difficulties in the management of the primary condition resulting from her akathisia and its successful management using IV diphenhydramine and midazolam.

Authors and Affiliations

L M Qiu, B L Lim

Keywords

Related Articles

Single-dose periarticular steroid infiltration for pain management in total knee arthroplasty: a prospective, double-blind, randomised controlled trial.

Post total knee replacement pain control using parenteral opioids results in significant side effects like nausea and vomiting. Periarticular injections are used to control pain without these side effects. This study aim...

The lived experience of palliative homecare nurses in Singapore.

Homecare nurses had been and still are the backbone of palliative care services in Singapore. Although extensively documented by overseas researchers, the local perspective of their identity has not been evaluated. We ai...

A comparison of genotype and markers of disease severity of chronic hepatitis C in patients with and without end-stage renal disease.

Introduction: This study was conducted to compare the genotype and markers of disease severity of chronic hepatitis C (CHC), namely viral load, alanine transaminase (ALT) levels and histopathological findings on liver bi...

Fibrovascular polyp of the oropharynx.

Fibrovascular polyps are benign but rare tumours of the upper digestive tract. In most of the cases reported to date, fibrovascular polyps have originated from the oesophagus or hypopharynx. In 85-90 percent of these rep...

Ministry of health clinical practice guidelines: screening of cardiovascular disease and risk factors.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) publishes clinical practice guidelines on Screening of Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Factors to provide doctors and patients in Singapore with evidence-based guidance on the screening of ca...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP139861
  • DOI -
  • Views 71
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

L M Qiu, B L Lim (2011). Case of acute akathisia from intravenous metoclopramide.. Singapore Medical Journal, 52(1), 12-14. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-139861