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Accidental terfenadine ingestion in children
H A Spiller1, M Picciotti, E Perez
1Delaware Valley Regional Poison Control Center, Philadelphia, PA.
Veterinary and Human Toxicology
|April 1, 1989
Summary
Accidental ingestion of terfenadine in young children appears safe in small doses. This study found no toxicity in children aged 1-5 years after ingesting up to 120 mg of this non-sedating antihistamine.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Pediatric Toxicology
Background:
- Terfenadine is a non-sedating antihistamine with limited safety data regarding accidental ingestion in young children.
- Peripheral H-1 receptor binding is strong, with weak affinity for other receptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the outcomes of accidental terfenadine ingestion in children aged 1-5 years.
- To assess the toxicity profile of terfenadine in pediatric accidental overdose cases.
Main Methods:
- A 1-year retrospective study was conducted at the DVRPCC and NJPIES.
- Twenty-eight cases of accidental terfenadine ingestion in children (1-5 years) were analyzed.
- Outcomes were assessed based on dose, treatment (ipecac, activated charcoal, observation), and follow-up.
Main Results:
- No symptoms were reported in most cases, including one significant ingestion (900mg) treated with activated charcoal.
- Children ingesting 60 mg-120 mg terfenadine and observed at home showed no toxicity.
- Three cases were lost to follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Accidental ingestion of small doses (60-120 mg) of terfenadine in children (1-5 years) is unlikely to cause toxicity.
- Further research with larger cohorts may be beneficial to confirm these findings on pediatric terfenadine overdose.