Antihistamine Toxicity in Children

Abstract

Five instances of antihistamine toxicity in children, one resulting in death, are reported here. Three cases were caused by accidental ingestions and two were caused by physician-prescribed overdoses. Initial symptoms and clinical course are far from constant. Control of toxic central-nervous-system symptoms by sedation or anticonvulsive drugs is a cardinal part of treatment. Stimulants or even mechanical respiratory devices may be needed later for management of postconvulsive depressive states.