Respiratory failure caused by a suspicious white powder: a case report of intentional methadone poisoning in an infant.

Methadone exposures in children have increased as the drug has gained more prevalence in the treatment of adult narcotic dependency. Previous literature concerning pediatric methadone ingestion has focused primarily on unintentional ingestions. We describe a 2-month-old male infant presenting with respiratory failure from suspected intentional methadone administration. The infant was born to a mother with narcotic dependency and at birth was treated for neonatal abstinence syndrome. After discharge for neonatal abstinence syndrome treatment, the infant continued to be fussy and persistently irritable. We believe the infant was intentionally given methadone at home by his mother for these symptoms. It is important for pediatric providers to be vigilant of households with methadone present. Family-centered education on prevention of methadone ingestion (eg, safe storage) and anticipatory guidance on the signs, symptoms, and treatment of toxicity are key.