Intravenous Lipid Emulsion for the Treatment of Drug Toxicity

Intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) has emerged as a powerful antidote for the treatment of drug toxicity in the past decade. Initial efficacy of ILE was shown in the setting of local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST), but recent case reports suggest its consideration in a variety of other drug toxicities. In this review, we will summarize the experimental evidence as well as the clinical experience in using ILE as an antidote. Specifically, we will look at the evidence for using ILE in LAST as well as toxicity due to beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers, and tricyclic antidepressants. We will also review the current dosing recommendations as well as potential side effects of ILE as an antidote.