Poisoning by paraldehyde

This code signifies an adverse health effect resulting from the ingestion or exposure to paraldehyde, a sedative-hypnotic medication. It encompasses both accidental and intentional overdoses, as well as adverse reactions to therapeutic doses. The poisoning can manifest with central nervous system depression, respiratory compromise, and metabolic acidosis.

This code is appropriate when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of poisoning specifically due to paraldehyde. This includes cases of acute intoxication, drug overdose, or adverse drug events where paraldehyde is identified as the causative agent. Supporting documentation would include physician notes detailing the exposure, symptoms, and diagnostic findings confirming paraldehyde involvement.

• Always identify the intent of the poisoning (e.g., accidental, intentional self-harm, assault, undetermined) using an E-code.
• Distinguish between poisoning (adverse effect due to overdose or wrong substance) and adverse effect in therapeutic use (adverse reaction to correctly prescribed and administered drug).
• Ensure documentation specifies paraldehyde as the causative agent, rather than a general sedative or hypnotic.