Methapyrilene hydrochloride overdose
Definition
Methapyrilene hydrochloride is an uncommon antihistamine found in cold or flu medicines. Methapyrilene hydrochloride overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.
Poisonous Ingredient
- Methapyrilene hydrochloride
Where Found
Methapyrilene hydrochloride is found in older antihistamine medications. It was removed from the market in 1979 because it was found to contribute to cancer after long-term use.
Symptoms
- Bladder and kidneys
- Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- Dilated pupils
- Dry mouth
- Vision abnormalities (blurry vision)
- Nervous system
- Agitation
- Coma
- Delirium
- Disorientation
- Drowsiness
- Excitation
- Hallucinations
- Nervousness
- Tremor
- Unsteadiness
- Skin
- Dry skin
- Flushed skin (red)
- Heart and blood
Home Care
Seek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.
Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:
- Patient's age, weight, and condition
- Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
- Time it was swallowed
- Amount swallowed
Poison Control
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.
What to Expect at the Emergency Room
The health care provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. You may receive:
- Activated charcoal
- Fluids by IV
- Blood test for the presence of salicylates or acetaminophen in the blood (Note: Cold and flu medications often contain these ingredients. Anyone who has taken an overdose is at risk from poisoning from these ingredients, too.)
- Medicine (antidote) to reverse the effect of the poison
- Tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)
Outlook (Prognosis)
How well you do depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment is received. The faster you get medical help, the better the chance for recovery.
Few patients actually die from an antihistamine overdose.
Reviewed By: Stephen C. Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
