Abamectin poisoning: a case report and review of literature

Abamectin, a widely used insecticide in Sri Lankan agricultural practices is recognised to occasionally cause serious neurological and cardio-respiratory consequences, and very rarely fatalities following human intoxication. We report a young male presenting with agitation, generalised seizures, coma, respiratory failure, and metabolic acidosis following attempted suicide with abamectin ingestion. He improved after 48 hours of intubation, mechanical ventilation and supportive intensive care. This reported case and review of literature is aimed at creating awareness on toxicology and clinical manifestations of abamectin poisoning.