![]() This Question prepared by: Nena Bowman, PharmD, SPI (Specialist in Poison Information) Tennessee Poison Center Please call the Tennessee Poison Center, 1-80, to speak with a Poison Information Specialist for evidence based recommendations in the management of any poisoning or overdose. Physostigmine can be helpful in children, or patients with hallucinations difficult to manage as long as the benefits are greater than the risks with no contraindications. Patients with tachycardia, agitation, and confusion can be treated with benzodiazepines. Recommendations: Patients that have intentionally or accidentally ingested at or over the toxic dose of diphenhydramine should be evaluated and monitored in a healthcare setting. Blood gases should also be monitored periodically throughout treatment with sodium bicarbonate. Due to sodium bicarbonate’s ability to drive potassium intracellularly, potassium should be periodically monitored and supplemented as needed. Follow this with a sodium bicarbonate drip with two ampules of 8.4% sodium bicarbonate (50mEq per vial) in one liter of D5W and run it at maintenance. Push pH to 7.6 with IV bicarbonate (in an adult, each amp increase pH aobut 0.1. If QRS widening and hypotension occur, serum alkalinization with IV Sodium bicarbonate is indicated. Great caution is recommended when past medical history or ingestion history is unknown. Physostigmine is contraindicated in patients that have taken tricyclic amine antidepressants. ![]() The half-life of physostigmine is only 1 to 2 hours, which creates a need for repeat dosing if used. ![]() Physostigmine can reverse anticholinergic activity by inhibiting the acetylcholinesterases that break down acetylcholine, allowing more acetylcholine in the synapse to bind receptors. In patient’s that are having uncomfortable hallucinations or are potentially a danger to themselves, physostigmine can be considered. The majority of symptoms can be mediated with benzodiazepines. Management : A diphenhydramine overdose is best managed by good symptomatic and supportive care. Toxicities from diphenhydramine could potentially last 12 to 48 hours – depending on the circumstances surrounding the ingestion. Due to the slowing of gut motility, the pharmacokinetics may be prolonged and are not dependable for prediction of symptom duration in overdose. A common pneumonic taught to help with memorization is: “Hot as a hair, dry as a bone, blind as a bat, mad as a hatter, and red as a beat.” In overdose, due to diphenhydramine’s promiscuous molecular nature, cardiac sodium channel block may occur as evidenced by QRS widening. This toxidrome is characterized by a compilation of symptoms associated with the antagonism of cholinergic receptors and includes: tachycardia, dry mucus membranes, hot and dry skin, flushed skin, dilated pupils, urinary retention, absent bowel sounds, altered mental status and hallucinations, and agitation. Toxic dose: Adults typically tolerate up to 300mg of diphenhydramine without significant adverse events, while children cannot tolerate more than 7.5 mg/kg without the risk for clinically significant adverse events.Ĭlinical effects: With diphenhydramine overdose, whether accidental or intentional, patients can present with an anticholinergic toxidrome. First generation antihistamines are more lipophilic than other antihistamines and easily penetrate the central nervous system where they exhibit muscarinic as well as adrenergic receptor binding. Unfortunately, they are also dirty drugs, binding many different receptors. Mechanism of Action: Diphenhydramine is a first generation antihistamine, exhibiting the majority of its therapeutic action by antagonizing H1 histamine receptors. This number does not include over the counter combination products. In 2014, the National Poison Data System Annual Report noted 29,704 case mentions reported to poison centers across the United States involving over the counter products containing diphenhydramine alone. In an attempt to get high, adolescents (13 to 19 years of age) also abuse diphenhydramine. It is found in the majority of American households to treat a variety of ailments including seasonal allergies, anaphylaxis, and as a sleep aid. Diphenhydramine is a commonly available over the counter medication. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |