Childhood poisoning involving transdermal nicotine patches.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the circumstances, medical complications, and outcomes of children exposed to a transdermal nicotine patch (TNP).

DESIGN

Prospective case series; postmarketing surveillance study over a 24-month period.

SETTING

Thirty-four United States poison centers. Patients. Children 0 to 15 years old exposed to a TNP.

INTERVENTIONS: None.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Exposure circumstances, symptoms and signs of toxicity, complications, disposition, and hospital length of stay.

RESULTS

Reports were received concerning 36 exposures to TNP in children younger than 16 years old (mean: 3 years old). Eighteen of these TNP exposures were dermal; 18 additional children had bitten, chewed, or swallowed part of a patch. All four commercial brands of TNP were represented; no brand was associated with more symptoms or an increased severity of illness. Fourteen children (39%) developed symptoms, including gastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain), weakness, dizziness, or localized rashes. Occurrence of symptoms after a dermal exposure to a TNP was associated with an estimated nicotine dose >/=.10 mg (>/=.01 mg/kg body weight). Ten children were seen in the emergency department; two were admitted overnight. All recovered fully.

CONCLUSIONS

In this series, unintentional exposures to TNPs among young children usually involved used patches, were transient (<20 minutes duration), and required only skin decontamination and supportive care. Continued monitoring of inadvertent childhood exposures to TNPs is recommended to confirm these observations.