Levosulpiride associated neuroleptic malignant syndrome in an elderly
patient: A tale of confusing brand names
Abstract
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome(NMS) is a lethal idiosyncratic reaction
characterized by fever, rigidity, altered sensorium and autonomic
disturbances. Antidopaminergic drugs such as haloperidol, dopamine
depletors like reserpine and atypical antipsychotics such as
risperidone, are the major drugs implicated in NMS. Levosulpiride
belongs to the benzamide class of antiemetics and is a blocker of
dopamine(D2) receptors. The drug is available in India, Korea and some
European countries. Here we present an interesting case of Levosulpiride
associated neuroleptic malignant syndrome in an elderly female. The case
also reflects how a minor difference in the brand names can produce a
major debilitating cascade in geriatric patients.