OBJECTIVE: To report the case of two patients with acute dystonia induced by bromopride in children, followed by a review of the mechanisms of induction of movement disorders by antidopaminergic anti-emetic drugs, its clinical symptoms and treatment. CASE DESCRIPTION: Case 1: a 13 years old teenager who developed acute hypertonia and neck pain associated to fever and vomiting, suggestive of meningitis. Further investigation revealed that symptoms were associated with the ingestion of a single dose of bromopride. The symptoms stopped after administration of diphenidramine, preventing a spinal tap. Case 2: six months old infant who developed extrapyramidal movement disorder related to bromopride overdose, with prompt resolution of symptoms after treatment with biperiden. COMMENTS: This seems to be the first report of acute dystonia after the use of bromopride in children. Although frequently used in Brazil as an anti-emetic and prokynetic agent, no clinical study has showed that bromopride has a better safety profile than other antidopaminergic anti-emetic drugs. While such studies are not available, caution is needed in the context of pediatric prescription of bromopride. Non pharmacological measures should be adopted in the management of vomiting and gastroesophageal reflux. If medical treatment cannot be avoided, one would rather use medications with a better established safety profile.
movement disorders; dyskinesia, drug induced; dopamine antagonists; antiemetics; vomiting; poisoning; antidotes
