Definition

This poisoning is from an overdose of pheniramine.

Alternative Names

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

Poisonous Ingredient

Pheniramine, an antihistamine.

Where Found

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

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

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 U.S. 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 emergency room.

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:

  • Fluids
  • Medicines to treat symptoms
  • Activated charcoal
  • Laxative
  • A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)   
  • Artificial respiration

Expectations (prognosis)

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

Review Date:2/10/2006
Reviewed By: Janeen R. Azare, PhD, MSPH, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-KetteringCancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.