Diphenhydramine and Acute Dystonia
Authors: F. Roila, D. Donati, C. Basurto, A. Del Favero
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1989)

Letters and Corrections1 July 1989Diphenhydramine and Acute DystoniaF. Roila, D. Donati, C. Basurto, A. Del FaveroF. Roila, D. Donati, C. Basurto, A. Del FaveroAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-111-1-92_2 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptTo the Editor: Metoclopramide in high doses is widely used to prevent nausea and vomiting induced by cancer chemotherapy (1). Extrapyramidal reactions are a well-known side effect of metoclopramide therapy, and diphenhydramine, an ethanolamine and H1-blocker, has been used in an attempt to prevent these reactions (2). A previously undescribed side effect of intravenous diphenhydramine is an acute dystonic reaction similar to that caused by metoclopramide. This type of reaction is supposed to be prevented by diphenhydramine administration.A 66-year-old woman, who had not had psychiatric or central nervous system disturbances but had non-small-cell lung cancer, received diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Parke...References1. RoilaTonatoBasurto FMC. Antiemetic activity of high doses of metoclopramide combined with methylprednisolone versus metoclopramide alone in cisplatin-treated cancer patients: a randomized double-blind trial of the Italian Oncology Group for Clinical Research. J Clin Oncol. 1987;5:141-9. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar2. KrisGrallaTyson MRL. Improved control of cisplatin-induced emesis with high-dose metoclopramide and with combinations of metoclopramide, dexamethasone, and diphenhydramine. Cancer. 1985;55:527-34. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar3. Fastner Z. Antihistamines (H-receptor antagonists) In: MN Dukes, ed. Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs. 10th ed. Amsterdam: Elsevier; 1984:284. Google Scholar4. BaroneRaiolo DJ. Facial dyskinesia from overdose of an antihistamine. N Engl J Med. 1980;303:107. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar5. BraitZagerman KA. Dyskinesia after antihistamine use. N Engl J Med. 1977;296:111. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar This content is PDF only. To continue reading please click on the PDF icon. Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics Cited ByEffects of Oral Antihistamines on Tear Volume, Tear Stability, and Intraocular PressureAntihistaminesPrescription practice of antihistamines for acute upper respiratory tract infections in pediatric patients in a local emergency department in Hong KongAntihistaminesDrug-induced hyperkinetic movement disorders by nonneuroleptic agentsComparison of diphenhydramine and lidocaine for prevention of pain after injection of propofolDiphenhydramine and Dimenhydrinate Poisoning: an Evidence-Based Consensus Guideline for Out-of-Hospital ManagementDystonic Reaction Following Recommended Use of a Cold SyrupAntihistaminesH1 antihistamines interact with central sigma receptors 1 July 1989Volume 111, Issue 1Page: 92-93KeywordsCancer chemotherapyCentral nervous systemDystoniaLung and intrathoracic tumorsNauseaVomiting Issue Published: 1 July 1989 PDF DownloadLoading ...