| Definition: |
H2 receptor antagonist poisoning is an overdose of an H2 receptor antagonist. H2 receptor antagonists are medications available by prescription and over-the-counter for reducing stomach acid.
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| Alternative Names: |
Cimetidine; Tagamet; Ranitidine; Zantac; Famotidine, Pepcid; Nizatidine; Axid
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| Poisonous Ingredient: |
- Cimetidine
- Ranitidine
- Famotidine
- Nizatidine
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
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| Where Found: |
- Cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Ranitidine (Zantac)
- Famotidine (Pepcid)
- Nizatidine (Axid)
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
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| Symptoms: |
- Respiratory
- Skin
- Gastrointestinal
- Heart and blood vessels
- Rapid heartbeat or slow heartbeat
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
- Nervous system
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| Home Treatment: |
DO NOT induce vomiting. Call Poison Control or your local emergency number if an overdose of an H2 receptor antagonist has occured.
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| 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
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| Poison Control, or a local emergency number: |
Call Poison Control or your local emergency number -- they will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.
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| What to expect at the emergency room: |
Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:
- Administering activated charcoal
- Administering a laxative
- Emptying the stomach (gastric lavage)
- Administering artificial respiration (breathing) if necessary
- Maintaining adequate respiration rate
- Treating the symptoms
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| Expectations (prognosis): |
Serious complications are rare.
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