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Oculogyric crisis in patients taking cetirizine
Frederick W Fraunfelder1, Frederick T Fraunfelder
1Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA. eyedrug@ohsu.edu
Purpose:
To report oculogyric crisis in patients receiving cetirizine and inform clinicians on the characteristics of this drug-induced ocular side effect.
Methods:
For this retrospective, observational case series, case reports were collected from the National Registry of Drug-Induced Ocular Side Effects (Casey Eye Institute, Portland, Oregon). The World Health Organization Causality Assessment Guide of Suspected Adverse Reactions was used to categorize the cases.
Results:
Nine cases were reported, with eight occurring in the pediatric age group. Dosage ranged from 5 to 10 mg orally and onset of symptoms ranged from 3 to 184 days. Six cases of oculogyric crisis had positive rechallenge data. Eight cases had complete neurologic consultation including radiographic studies.
Conclusions:
Cetirizine can cause oculogyric crisis, especially in the pediatric age group. Extensive neurologic workups may be avoided if clinicians recognize this drug-induced ocular side effect.
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