Abstract

Introduction: Poisoning with drugs are managed with supportive measures in conjunction with lipid resuscitation

therapy i.e., intravenous lipid emulsions (ILE). The goal of this technique is to alleviate the clinical manifestations of

intoxication via various molecular mechanisms. Poisonings via local anesthetics, cardioactive drugs (calcium-channel

blockers and beta blockers), psychoactive drugs [antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressant drugs (TCAD)] and some others.

Methods: This article is a review and critical analysis of the most recent literature to analyse consequences, and intended

effects associated with this treatment modality in poisoning with TCAD. Online database searches were performed for

randomized controlled trials published before November 2018. The search terms included lipid emulsion therapy,

intoxication, poisoning, tricyclic antidepressant drugs, and names of specific compounds in TCADs. Papers were

examined for methodological soundness before being included. Studies involving the use of ILE in animal studies on

TCAD overdoses were summarized in a table.

Results: The initial electronic data search produced 35 potentially eligible trials; among these, 26 were discarded for

some reason, and only 9 researches fulfilled the criteria based on inclusion of information set initially. Two other articles

were found and enrolled in the review after a search in the references of the articles included. Thus a total of 11 articles

were analyzed in the article. Eight studies (72.7%) included in the analysis commented positively on the effectiveness of

ILE on TCAD overdoses.

Conclusion: Although there are conflicting findings in the literature, ILE may be considered for resuscitation in

emergency and intensive care in resuscitation of severe hemodynamic compromise by TCAD.