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Ketotifen-induced nocturnal bruxism
Domenico Italiano1, Placido Bramanti, David Militi
1Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy, domenicoitaliano@hotmail.com.
European Journal of Pediatrics
|August 17, 2013
Summary
This case study reports a child who developed nocturnal bruxism (sleep bruxism) while taking the antihistamine ketotifen. This suggests a potential link between antihistamines and sleep bruxism in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Nocturnal bruxism is a common oromandibular movement disorder in children.
- The exact pathophysiological mechanisms of sleep bruxism remain unclear.
- Iatrogenic sleep bruxism has been linked to psychotropic medications, but antihistamine association is unreported.
Observation:
- A 4-year-old child presented with nocturnal bruxism.
- The bruxism occurred during treatment with ketotifen for bronchospasm and rhinitis.
- Drug rechallenge was performed to confirm the association.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of antihistamine-induced bruxism.
- Ketotifen, an antihistamine, may trigger or exacerbate nocturnal bruxism in susceptible children.
- The case highlights potential drug-induced side effects impacting sleep and oromandibular function.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider antihistamines like ketotifen as a potential cause of sleep bruxism in pediatric patients.
- Further research is needed to understand the complex neurotransmitter interactions (histamine, serotonin, dopamine) involved.
- This finding contributes to the broader understanding of bruxism etiology and iatrogenic causes.
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