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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Simon ThomasORCiD
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Antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergy, dizziness and nausea. The sedating antihistamines are non-specific in their actions and often have marked anticholinergic effects. Features of overdose include tachycardia, blood pressure disturbances, dry mouth, ataxia, agitation and psychosis and, uncommonly, convulsions. Sedation is exacerbated by alcohol consumption. Non-sedating antihistamines are less toxic in overdose but may cause tachycardia, drowsiness, gastrointestinal disturbances and headache. Arrhythmias have occasionally been reported with sedating and non-sedating antihistamine overdose. Treatment of antihistamine overdose includes activated charcoal (when indicated) and general supportive care. Cardiovascular monitoring, including of the electrocardiogram, is appropriate. Convulsions should be treated with a benzodiazepine. Patients who have not developed toxicity within 6 hours of overdose are unlikely to do so. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Author(s): Thomas SHL
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Medicine
Year: 2007
Volume: 35
Issue: 11
Pages: 592-593
ISSN (print): 1357-3039
ISSN (electronic): 1365-4357
Publisher: Medicine Publishing Company
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mpmed.2007.08.014
DOI: 10.1016/j.mpmed.2007.08.014
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