Attempted Suicide with Herbicide Containing MCPA

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Abstract
A case of attempted suicidal poisoning with the herbicide 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid is described and the reported cases of poisoning with chlorinated phenoxy-acids are reviewed. Following oral ingestion, the clinical picture is acute and fulminating with ataxia, neuromuscular irritability, convulsions, and coma. Renal and hepatic damage also occurs. There is no antidote, and treatment is entirely supportive. The use of hydrocortisone, with the object of reducing inflammatory edema, and the maintenance of a high urinary output in the early stages may have played a part in this patient''s recovery.