Case Report: Delirium and complications resulting from the abuse of compound liquorice tablets - Takeaways - MDSpire

Case Report: Delirium and complications resulting from the abuse of compound liquorice tablets

  • By

  • Xiwen Tian

  • Liu Liu

  • Liyao Huang

  • Jubo Yin

  • Yanjuan Zeng

  • Yao Chen

  • Shanghao Yang

  • Xuhui Zhou

  • July 6, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Compound liquorice tablets contain opium powder and liquorice, and have emerged as an alternative for substance abuse due to their accessibility and low cost.

  • 2

    A 29-year-old male developed drug dependence on compound liquorice tablets after self-medicating for a dry cough post-COVID-19 infection.

  • 3

    Withdrawal from compound liquorice tablets led to delirium, confusion, hallucinations, and severe physical symptoms, including hypokalemia and hypertension.

  • 4

    The patient was treated with a benzodiazepine tapering regimen, antidepressants, and antipsychotics, resulting in resolution of withdrawal symptoms and delirium.

  • 5

    This case highlights the emerging risk of abuse associated with compound liquorice tablets and the need for stricter prescription controls and patient education.

Original Source(s)

Case Report: Delirium and complications resulting from the abuse of compound liquorice tablets

  • by Xiwen Tian, Liu Liu, Liyao Huang, Jubo Yin, Yanjuan Zeng, Yao Chen, Shanghao Yang, Xuhui Zhou

  • July 6, 2026

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