Paralytic ileus requiring hospitalization secondary to high-dose antipsychotic polypharmacy and benztropine.

Author(s): Kwiatkowski M, Denka ZD, White CC

Affiliation(s): Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA. Mercedes33@gmail.com

Publication date & source: 2011-03, Gen Hosp Psychiatry., 33(2):200.e5-7. Epub 2010 Dec 3.

Publication type: Case Reports

Ileus can result from the combined activity of antipsychotic and anticholinergic medications. Despite frequent use, case reports in the literature are sparse. We present a patient who developed a paralytic ileus requiring extended hospitalization. Providers should minimize antipsychotic and concurrent anticholinergic medications, consider prophylactic bowel regimens and monitor for constipation. Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.