Papaverine intoxication in a newborn: an unusual case report

Herbal agents are increasingly used for medicinal purposes, but there is a lack of knowledge about the content of these agents. Indiscriminate use of herbal agents may cause severe side effects and also death. We report a newborn who developed convulsions and respiratory arrest after oral intake of an opium poppy preparation containing papaverine for its antitussive effect. The infant experienced a good outcome with supportive treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time a newborn with papaverine intoxication has been described. Parents should avoid self-medication of their children, and the possibility of exposure to foreign products should be kept in mind in any seizure of a newborn with unexplained origin.