Reversal of an antihistamine-induced coma with flumazenil

Pediatr Emerg Care. 2004 May;20(5):319-20. doi: 10.1097/01.pec.0000125662.28066.91.

Abstract

Flumazenil is a competitive antagonist with specific action at the central benzodiazepine receptor. It is used when benzodiazepine intoxication is suspected. Its use has also been reported in cannabis intoxication, chloral hydrate overdose, hepatic encephalopathy, and alcohol intoxication. We report the case of a 7-month-old male infant with a depressed level of consciousness after intentional intoxication of antihistamines, whose mental status fully recovered after administration of flumazenil. To our knowledge, this is the first case in children where flumazenil has been reported to reverse antihistamine-induced coma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child Abuse
  • Coma / chemically induced
  • Coma / drug therapy*
  • Diphenhydramine / blood
  • Diphenhydramine / poisoning*
  • Diphenhydramine / urine
  • Flumazenil / therapeutic use*
  • GABA-A Receptor Antagonists*
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists / poisoning*
  • Humans
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives / poisoning*
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Trimeprazine / blood
  • Trimeprazine / pharmacokinetics
  • Trimeprazine / poisoning*
  • Trimeprazine / urine

Substances

  • GABA-A Receptor Antagonists
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives
  • Flumazenil
  • Trimeprazine
  • Diphenhydramine