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H2 receptor antagonists overdose

Cimetidine overdose; Tagamet overdose; Ranitidine overdose; Zantac overdose; Famotidine overdose; Pepcid overdose; Nizatidine overdose; Axid overdose

 

H 2 receptor antagonists are medicines that help decrease stomach acid. H 2 receptor antagonist overdose occurs when someone takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medicine. This can be by accident or on purpose.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual overdose . DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose. If you or someone you are with overdoses, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Poisonous Ingredient

 

Below are names of 4 H 2 receptor antagonist medicines. There may be others.

  • Cimetidine
  • Ranitidine
  • Famotidine
  • Nizatidine

 

Where Found

 

H 2 receptor antagonist medicines are available over-the-counter and by prescription. This list gives the specific medicine name and the product brand name:

  • Cimetidine (Tagamet)
  • Ranitidine (Zantac)
  • Famotidine (Pepcid)
  • Nizatidine (Axid)

Other medicines may also contain H 2 receptor antagonists.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms of an H 2 receptor antagonist overdose are:

  • Abnormal heartbeat
  • Confusion
  • Diarrhea
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Dilated pupils
  • Drowsiness
  • Flushing
  • Low blood pressure
  • Nausea
  • Rapid heartbeat or slow heartbeat
  • Slurred speech
  • Sweating
  • Vomiting

 

Home Care

 

Seek medical help right away. Do NOT make the person throw up unless poison control or a health care provider tells you to.

 

Before Calling Emergency

 

Have this information ready:

  • Person's age, weight, and condition
  • The name of the product (ingredients and strength, if known)
  • When it was swallowed
  • The amount swallowed

 

Poison Control

 

Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

 

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

The provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated. The person may receive:

  • Activated charcoal
  • Blood and urine tests
  • Breathing support, including oxygen
  • Chest x-ray
  • EKG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)
  • Intravenous fluids (through a vein)
  • A laxative
  • Medicine to treat symptoms
  • Tube through the mouth into the stomach to empty the stomach ( gastric lavage )

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Serious complications are rare. These are generally safe medicines, even when taken in large doses.

 

 

Open References

References

Chan FKL, Lau JYW. Peptic ulcer disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 53.

Falk GW, Katzka DA. Diseases of the esophagus. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 138.

Kirk MA, Baer AB. Anticholinergics and antihistamines. In: Shannon MW, Borron SW, Burns MJ, eds. Haddad and Winchester's Clinical Management of Poisoning and Drug Overdose . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2007:chap 39.

Weisman RS. Antihistamines and decongestants. In: Goldfrank LR, Flomenbaum NE, Lewin NA, Hoffman RS, Howland MA, Nelson LS, eds. Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies . 7th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2002:chap 35.

 

        A Closer Look

         

          Tests for H2 receptor antagonists overdose

           
             

            Review Date: 7/6/2015

            Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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