Etilefrinhydrochloride tablet ingestion: successful therapy by endoscopic removal of tablet conglomerate.

We report here on a case of etilefrinhydrochloride tablet intoxication in suicidal intention in a female adolescent. Tablet ingestion resulted in the formation of a tablet conglomerate in the stomach, which could neither be effectively treated with activated charcoal nor by gastric lavage. Endoscopic dissemination and removal of the fragments finally led to the elimination of the tables and the symptoms of intoxication resolved completely. The case presented here offers an explanation as to why the use of activated charcoal and/or a gastric lavage may not be successful in some cases of ingestion/intoxication. Endoscopic removal of ingested fragments of the toxic substance, such as etilefrinhydrochloride tablets, may be useful even hours following ingestion and should be considered when treatment with activated charcoal or gastric lavage fail to eliminate toxic substances in cases of tablet ingestion.