Summary

A 33-year-old lady accidentally injected norepinephrine into her right thumb while cleaning the first aid box where a spare Epipen for her son was kept. She presented with pain, pallor and swelling to the distal phalanx of the right thumb. After a prompt literature search and discussing the case with the National Poisons Information Service, local injection of 0.15 ml (1.5 mg) of phentolamine in 1 ml of 2% lignocaine was advised. Peripheral perfusion was restored immediately after injection and fully recovery was noted at the review clinic the following day. The presentation of this case in the accident and emergency department prompted phone calls and literature search to define the most appropriate evidence-based management for this situation. The authors conclude that local infiltration of phentolamine is the treatment of choice and this highlighted the need for local treatment protocols.