H2 receptor antagonists overdose
Definition
H2 receptor antagonists are medicines that help decrease stomach acid. H2 receptor antagonist overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.
Alternative Names
Cimetidine overdose; Tagamet overdose; Ranitidine overdose; Zantac overdose; Famotidine overdose; Pepcid overdose; Nizatidine overdose; Axid overdose
Poisonous Ingredient
- Cimetidine
- Ranitidine
- Famotidine
- Nizatidine
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
Where Found
- Cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Ranitidine (Zantac)
- Famotidine (Pepcid)
- Nizatidine (Axid)
Symptoms
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Confusion
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Drowsiness
- Flushing
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea
- Rapid heartbeat or slow heartbeat
- Slurred speech
- Sweating
- Vomiting
Home Care
Seek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.
Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:
- Patient's age, weight, and condition
- The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
- When it was swallowed
- The amount swallowed
Poison Control
The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called 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.
Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.
What to Expect at the Emergency Room
The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:
- Activated charcoal
- Laxative
Outlook (Prognosis)
Serious complications are rare.
References
Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 2002: 759.
Goldfrank LR, Flomenbaum NE, Lewin NA, et al. Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies. 7th ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill; 2002.
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
