Side effects of spiramycin masquerading as local anesthetic toxicity during labor epidural analgesia

Int J Obstet Anesth. 2010 Jul;19(3):331-2. doi: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2010.03.002. Epub 2010 Jun 3.

Abstract

Significant fetal bradycardia occurred when a parturient receiving labor epidural analgesia experienced generalized numbness and tingling, a metallic taste and hot flushes. An emergent cesarean delivery under general anesthesia was performed with favorable outcomes for the mother and baby. The most likely source of the maternal symptoms was spiramycin, which was being administered for treatment of toxoplasmosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Analgesia, Epidural*
  • Analgesia, Obstetrical*
  • Anesthetics, Local / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects*
  • Cesarean Section
  • Female
  • Fetal Therapies
  • Humans
  • Labor, Obstetric
  • Medication Errors
  • Paresthesia / chemically induced
  • Paresthesia / etiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Spiramycin / adverse effects*
  • Tetralogy of Fallot / surgery
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Local
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Spiramycin