Accidental dermal and inhalation exposure with fipronil--a case report.

BACKGROUND

Fipronil which has initiated the new generation of insecticides and possesses greater affinity at GABA receptors in insects than humans is supposed to be safer than the old generation of insecticides. Dermal and inhalation exposure to fipronil has not been reported in the literature.

METHODS

A 50-year-old male was admitted to the Clinic after 5h of spraying his field with the solution of fipronil. The patient was fully conscious with the BP and HR within normal range. There were no seizures, other neurological deficits, signs of conjunctivitis or skin irritation. Physical examinations and biochemical results were normal. The patient complained of a headache, nausea, vertigo and weakness. All symptoms resolved spontaneously after about 5h. During hospitalization and the follow up after three weeks he was asymptomatic.

CONCLUSIONS

Further investigations should be carried on to evaluate the risk of fipronil in humans. The benzodiazepines are drugs of choice during seizures, B1 agonists and steroids may be useful during severe inhalation exposure.