The Drug-Induced Respiratory Disease Website and App

Paraquat

Although the herbicide paraquat is not a therapy drug, it is cited in Pneumotox because it is a pulmonary toxin that is still used in suicide attempts in some countries. Typically, paraquat (even after being a pplied topically) can cause acute respiratory failure, ARDS and pulmonary fibrosis in survivors. Paraquat may contaminate nutrients, alcoholic beverages and illegal substances of abuse. Paraquat has medical-legal implications as cases of deliberate poisoning by proxy have been reported. Most western countries have now banned paraquat. When in doubt, measurement of paraquat in blood and/or urine is key. PMID 1892020 (imaging features) and 27160134.

Related drugs and/or DIRDs

Diquat

Glyphosate

Herbicides

Frequency - Incidence

Incidence of respiratory adverse event(s) due to the specific drug as assessed by number of reported/published cases in the literature. Red digits in stars indicate: 0 = Very rare, questionable signal · 1 = < 10 cases · 2 = 10-50 cases · 3 = 50–100 cases · 4 = 100-200 cases · 5 = >200 cases

Evidence level/grade

Evidence level for respiratory adverse event(s) due to the specific drug as estimated using Hill’s (1965), Naranjo’s (1981), and Bégaud’s (1985) criteria applied to published cases. Blue digits in stars indicate: 0 = Questionable · 1 = Low · 2 = Moderate · 3 = Robust · 4 = Definite · 5 = Unquestionable, pathognomonic