Health Encyclopedia

Pheniramine overdose

Definition

Pheniramine is a type of medication called an antihistamine, which helps relieve allergy symptoms. Pheniramine overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Alternative Names

Dehistine D overdose; Liqui-Histine overdose; Poly-D overdose; Poly-Histine overdose; Liqui-minic infant overdose; Triactin overdose; Triaminic infant overdose

Poisonous Ingredient

Pheniramine

Where Found

Citra Forte
Dehistine D
Liqui-Histine
Poly-D
Poly-Histine
Ru-Tuss with Hydrocodone

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- Dry mouth
- Enlarged pupils
Heart and blood
- Rapid heartbeat
Nervous system
- Convulsions
- Delirium
- Depression
- Disorientation
- Drowsiness
- Excitation
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Nervousness
- Unsteadiness
- Tremor
Skin
- Flushed skin
Stomach and intestinal tract
- Nausea
- Vomiting

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

Patient's age, weight, and condition
Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
Time it was swallowed
Amount swallowed
If the medication was prescribed for the patient

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

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.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

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.

The patient may receive:

Activated charcoal
Breathing support
Fluids by IV
Laxative
Medicine (antidote) to reverse the effect of the poison
Tube through the mouth into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)

Expectations (prognosis)

If the patient survives the first 24 hours, recovery is good. Few patients die from an antihistamine overdose.

Review Date:2/3/2009
Reviewed By:A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (10/29/2007).

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