Cardiac Arrest Following the Administration of Intravenous Diphenhydramine for Sedation to an Infant With Congenital Heart Disease.

Abstract

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is a first-generation antihistamine that is used primarily to treat allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, urticaria, and allergic rhinitis. Despite its availability as an over-the-counter medication, toxicity may occur with its use especially when administered in large doses or via the intravenous route. We present a 3-month-old infant with Trisomy 21 who suffered a cardiac arrest immediately following administration of a single 1.25 mg/kg dose of intravenous diphenhydramine, prescribed for sedation in the Pediatric ICU setting. The potential cardiovascular and respiratory effects of diphenhydramine are presented, previous reports of life-threatening adverse effects reviewed, and options to limit these effects discussed.

• Authors: Courtney L Andersen, Joseph D Tobias
• Journal: The journal of pediatric pharmacology and therapeutics : JPPT : the official journal of PPAG (J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther) Vol. 26 Issue 3 Pg. 311-314 ( 2021) ISSN: 1551-6776 [Print] United States
• PMID: 33833635 (Publication Type: Case Reports)
• Copyright: Copyright. Pediatric Pharmacy Association. All rights reserved. For permissions, email: [email protected] 2021.