Use of peritoneal dialysis in experimental amphetamine poisoning.

SummaryEach of 10 unanesthetized dogs, constituting a control group was administered 40 mg per kilogram of amphetamine sulfate orally. Each animal showed signs of drug toxicity and all died within 6 hours. An experimental group of 13 dogs was given a similar dose and was subsequently treated with peritoneal dialysis. Eighty-five per cent of the treated group showed no signs of toxicity and 69% survived for at least 7 days without residual effects from the drug. The quantity of amphetamine recovered in the dialysate was negligible in spite of the favorable results. It is suggested that a metabolite or bound amphetamine compound was removed that was not measured by standard assay techniques. Peritoneal dialysis would appear to be an effective form of therapy for amphetamine poisoning.