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Tagamet-induced acute dystonia.
S Romisher1, R Felter, J Dougherty
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Akron General Hospital, Ohio.
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|October 1, 1987
Summary
A young woman experienced an acute dystonic reaction after taking cimetidine (Tagamet). This rare side effect resolved quickly with diphenhydramine hydrochloride, highlighting a potential drug-induced movement disorder.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neurology
- Clinical Toxicology
Background:
- Cimetidine is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist used to reduce stomach acid.
- Acute dystonic reactions are involuntary muscle contractions, often a side effect of certain medications.
- Drug-induced movement disorders require prompt recognition and management.
Observation:
- A 20-year-old female patient developed symptoms of an acute dystonic reaction.
- The reaction occurred after a short course of five doses of cimetidine.
- The patient was concurrently using oral contraceptives but no other interacting medications.
Findings:
- This case represents the first reported instance of an acute dystonic reaction linked to cimetidine use.
- Intravenous diphenhydramine hydrochloride administration led to rapid symptom reversal.
- No lasting neurological deficits were observed post-treatment.
Implications:
- Cimetidine may be associated with a risk of acute dystonic reactions, even with short-term use.
- Diphenhydramine hydrochloride is an effective treatment for cimetidine-induced dystonia.
- Clinicians should be aware of this potential adverse drug reaction when prescribing cimetidine.