Massive diphenhydramine poisoning resulting in a wide-complex tachycardia: successful treatment with sodium bicarbonate.

Clark, R F; Vance, M V · Ann Emerg Med · 1992

case_report · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

Diphenhydramine poisoning is characterized most often by anticholinergic effects. Cardiotoxicity and circulatory collapse have rarely been reported after massive ingestions of diphenhydramine and other H1-receptor-blocking agents, although these substances have local anesthetic properties and have been studied as antiarrhythmics. We report the case of a patient who developed a wide-complex tachycardia as a complication of acute diphenhydramine poisoning that responded to IV sodium bicarbonate.

Medical subject headings