Running a risk? Sport supplement toxicity with ephedrine in an amateur marathon runner, with subsequent rhabdomyolysis.

A 36-year-old man presented to the emergency department acutely unwell after being found collapsed while running a halfmarathon. He presented with a reduced Glasgow coma score, was tachycardic, agitated, hypoxic and profusely sweating. He had taken a 'supplement' given to him prior to the race by a friend, as he was concerned about not finishing. This contained both caffeine and a large dose of ephedrine (60 mg in total). After initial resuscitation he was intubated, and was transferred to critical care. He subsequently developed rhabdomyolysis, requiring haemofiltration.