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Survival in complicated diphenhydramine overdose
C S Rinder1, S L D'Amato, H M Rinder
1Department of Anesthesiology, Maine Medical Center, Portland 04102.
Critical Care Medicine
|November 1, 1988
Summary
This case report details an adult surviving severe diphenhydramine hydrochloride overdose complications. Physostigmine aided in reversing critical issues like hyperpyrexia and seizures.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
- Clinical Case Reports
Background:
- Diphenhydramine hydrochloride is a common antihistamine with potential for overdose.
- Severe overdose can lead to life-threatening complications affecting multiple organ systems.
Observation:
- An adult patient presented with a severe diphenhydramine hydrochloride overdose.
- The patient experienced multiple major complications including hyperpyrexia, status epilepticus, coma, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Findings:
- This represents the first reported case of an adult surviving all these major complications.
- Treatment with physostigmine, alongside other therapies, appeared beneficial in reversing the observed abnormalities.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential severity of diphenhydramine hydrochloride overdose in adults.
- Physostigmine may be a valuable adjunct in managing severe anticholinergic toxicity from diphenhydramine overdose.