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Diagnostic delay after dimenhydrinate use in vomiting children
K W Anquist1, S Panchanathan, P C Rowe
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ont.
Summary
Dimenhydrinate use in children with vomiting may delay diagnosis of serious conditions. This study found children given dimenhydrinate were more likely to present later with treatable illnesses.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Pharmacovigilance
- Clinical Toxicology
Background:
- Vomiting is a common pediatric emergency department complaint.
- Dimenhydrinate is frequently used for nausea and vomiting.
- Potential risks of dimenhydrinate include masking serious underlying conditions.
Observation:
- A study surveyed parents of 148 children presenting with vomiting.
- 21% of children received dimenhydrinate prior to emergency department arrival.
- Poison control center data reviewed adverse drug reactions and inquiries.
Findings:
- Children who received dimenhydrinate were significantly more likely to present over 12 hours after vomiting onset (67% vs 34%).
- Diagnoses in dimenhydrinate recipients included asthma, pelvic inflammatory disease, and urinary tract infections.
- No significant direct adverse reactions to dimenhydrinate were documented.
Implications:
- Dimenhydrinate administration may delay the diagnosis and management of treatable pediatric illnesses.
- Clinicians should consider the potential for delayed presentation when dimenhydrinate is used.
- Further research is needed to understand the full impact of dimenhydrinate on pediatric diagnostic timelines.