Causes and Risks:

• astemizole
• azatadine
• brompheniramine
• chlorpheniramine
• clemastine
• cyproheptadine
• dexchlorpheniramine
• dimenhydrinate
• diphenhydramine
• doxylamine
• hydroxyzine
• methdilazine
• phenindamine
• promethazine
• pyrilamine
• terfenadine
• trimeprazine
• tripelennamine
• triprolidine

Where Found:

• antihistamine by itself
  • Benadryl
  • Chlor-Trimeton
  • Hismanal
  • Seldane
  • Tavist
• antihistamine with a decongestant
  • Actifed
  • Contact
  • Drixoral
  • Novafed A
  • Ornade
  • Triaminic
• found in numerous cough and cold medications
  • Nyquil
  • Tylenol Cold and Flu

Symptoms:

• body as a whole
  • unsteadiness
  • tremor
  • convulsions
• eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • blurred vision
• heart and blood vessels
  • rapid heartbeat
  • increased blood pressure
• nervous system
  • depression
  • excitement
  • drowsiness
  • nervousness
  • hallucinations
  • disorientation
  • delirium

Home Treatment: The normal treatment is to induce emesis (vomiting) unless the patient is unconscious or experiencing convulsions; however, before inducing emesis, contact Poison Control to verify that is the correct treatment.

If instructed to induce emesis, proceed as follows or as otherwise instructed:

Give the usual dose of ipecac syrup: 15 milliliters (ml) or 1 TABLEspoonful for children and 30 ml (2 TABLEspoonsful) for an adult. Follow with 1/2 glass or 4 ounces (oz.) of water for children or 8 to 12 oz. of water for adults. Repeat 1 more time in 1/2 hour if emesis has not occurred.

Before Calling Emergency: Determine the following information:

• the patient’s age, weight, and condition
• the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
• the time it was swallowed
• the amount swallowed
• if the medication was prescribed for the patient

Call Poison Control: They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What To Expect: Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• Induce emesis unless seizures are imminent.
• Use gastric lavage.
• Administer activated charcoal.
• Administer a laxative.
• Treat the symptoms

If the patient survives the first 24 hours, survival is likely. Few patients actually die from an antihistamine overdose.