Meprobamate (2-methyl-2-n-propyl-1,3-propanediol dicarbamate [Miltown, Equanil]) has become widely used as an ataractic
or tranquilizing drug since its clinical introduction in 1955. The rarity and mildness
of its side-effects, as described in early reports of clinical trials,1,2 encouraged its
liberal use in many conditions characterized
by anxiety and tension. In recent months,
however, numerous reports of untoward reactions to this drug have appeared in the
literature. We wish to present a case which
we strongly suspect of representing a fatal
reaction to meprobamate.
Report of Case
A 50-year-old white housewife entered the
Albert Einstein Medical Center, Northern Division,
on Aug. 14, 1957, at 11:30 p. m., complaining of
fever, nausea and vomiting, and a widespread
erythematous rash.Fourteen days before admission the patient had
taken for the first time 2 or 3 tablets of Meprolone-2 (2 mg. of prednisolone, 200 mg. of meprobamate, and 200 mg. of dried aluminum hydroxide
gel), which had been