Is lethal outcome possible with an overdose of Diphenhydramine? How many tablets do you need to take? We will understand this in more detail.
Perhaps every person knows such a drug as Diphenhydramine. Along with drugs such as Paracetamol and Analgin, he has become familiar and seems to be completely safe. Many remember that in childhood, mother prepared a mixture based on it in order to lower the temperature.
The drug "Diphenhydramine" is a medication that is used as a sedative and sleeping pill. A similar effect of the drug is due to its inhibiting effect on the nervous system. But with uncontrolled use, serious consequences can appear: deterioration of the brain and other systems of the human body.
Is it possible to get poisoning due to an overdose of Diphenhydramine? What are its signs and consequences of intoxication with this medicine? How to help a person with pathological symptoms? These questions will be answered in the article below.
general characteristics
The drug "Diphenhydramine" is used to eliminate allergic symptoms. In addition, it is used very carefully as a sedative or sleeping pill. It is an antihistamine of the first generation, but at the same time it is no less effective, like many second-generation drugs, and sometimes even surpasses them. Sometimes used as a local anesthetic. It is important to understand that an overdose of Diphenhydramine is fatal.
On the drugstore shelves, such forms as:
- tablets;
- solution in ampoules;
- rectal suppositories;
- eye drops;
- powder;
- ointment or cream;
- sticks for the nose (for acute rhinitis).
In what cases is Diphenhydramine prescribed?
At "Diphenhydramine" indications for use are different. These include:
- allergic reactions (vasomotor runny nose, complications due to antibiotic treatment, urticaria, capillarotoxicosis, etc.);
- bronchial asthma (in combination with Ephedrine and Theophylline);
- peptic ulcer and gastritis;
- toxicosis during pregnancy and motion sickness;
- irritability and insomnia (as a sedative).
"Diphenhydramine" in injections is used in cases where allergic reactions are life-threatening. For example, with a touch of latex, a bee sting. However, it is combined with adrenaline. For an overdose of Diphenhydramine, how many tablets do you need to take?
The treatment course is determined by the disease in which it is prescribed. In the form of tablets, it is most often prescribed three times a day - one tablet for 10-14 days. The maximum allowable dosage, which can be taken without harm to the human body, is 0.1 grams. Dose per day - 0.25 grams. The medicine acts very quickly - in two to three minutes, the duration of its effect is twelve hours. However, the drug should not be abused, since a psychological dependence on it may appear. An overdose of Diphenhydramine is very dangerous.
In what cases is the drug harmful?
Diphenhydramine can be harmful in varying degrees. The use of it in normal dosages can cause the following side effects:
- dry mouth
- increased heart rate;
- numbness of the mouth;
- dilated pupils;
- constipation and inability to urinate;
- motor defects;
- fear of bright light;
- fever in the legs and arms;
- confusion and dizziness;
- low painful mood, that is, dysphoria;
- acute pain in the abdomen;
- deviations of speech (slurring, in order to speak, a person has to make an effort);
- dehydration (if taken along with "Analgin").
These same symptoms indicate poisoning, and they can help the victim in a timely manner.
In case of an overdose of "Diphenhydramine", acute poisoning occurs, which is expressed by worsening of the symptoms listed above, and causes:
- hallucinations and delusions;
- redness of the skin;
- tremor (movement, trembling of the trunk or limbs);
- akathisia (a person is not able to sit still in one place, constantly feels anxiety);
- heart failure;
- heart rhythm disturbance;
- ventricular fibrillation;
- fatal outcome (the probability is high with large doses, it occurs 3-19 hours after ingestion);
- worsening of restless lower limbs syndrome.
If children are taken, severe cramps can occur, which can lead to death in a short time. Seizures in adult patients are rare, but the effect of this drug should not be underestimated.
The essence of the overdose "Diphenhydramine"
The drug eliminates the effect of histamine on the capillaries, as a result of which allergic manifestations (itching, redness) are reduced, since the drug affects permeability. It centrally counteracts histamines, causing drowsiness. In addition, it blocks muscarinic brain receptors (the fight against Parkinson's disease). It stops the Na-channels, which are responsible for anesthesia. If you use the drug in large doses, it becomes toxic to the body, the effect of the drug increases.
Diphenhydramine is rapidly and well absorbed during oral administration, entering the body through the physiological barrier between the bloodstream and the central nervous system. Because of this, the side effects and consequences of an overdose appear and develop very quickly. That is why it is necessary to try to help the victim as soon as possible so that with an overdose of Diphenhydramine, a fatal outcome does not occur.
When is Diphenhydramine prohibited?
- It is strictly forbidden to drink more than one tablet at a time (i.e. 0.05 milligrams). The start of a lethal dose is from 100 milligrams. However, one should be careful, because each organism has individual characteristics.
- In addition, it must be remembered that Diphenhydramine cannot be used to treat children under six years of age and older people after 60 (should be replaced with another drug). During pregnancy and lactation, you also need to stay away from this medication.
- Do not forget that the medication is characterized by a sedative effect, as a result of which Diphenhydramine cannot be used while driving a vehicle or during activities requiring increased attention and concentration.
- Taking this drug is not possible with prostate adenoma (prostatic hyperplasia).
- Also contraindications include duodenal pathology and angular closed glaucoma.
If there are such diseases, you need to consult a doctor or not take risks and be treated with analogues, for example, using second-generation antihistamines (Astemizol, Ebastin, Loratadin, Azelastin, Cetirin, Terfenadine, "Akrivastin").
Combination with other drugs
The effect of "Diphenhydramine" is enhanced when consumed along with alcoholic beverages (the lethal dose is reduced, and the likelihood of a patient dying), and side effects will not take long. In addition, the effectiveness increases when taken simultaneously with anti-inflammatory non-steroidal agents (Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Paracetamol, Diclofenac, etc.), but in this case, the effect of NSAIDs also increases. Therefore, even half the dose is enough to lead to negative consequences.
Many people know that "Diphenhydramine" is used to increase the effect of drugs, alcohol, DXM, opiates, etc. In addition, it is used as a drug (in high dosage) because it causes temporary euphoria and hallucinations. An overdose of Diphenhydramine in tablets occurs very often.
Rules for first aid for an overdose
First of all, it is necessary to call an ambulance, because you cannot help yourself in this case. In case of an overdose of "Diphenhydramine" in ampoules or tablets in a state of intoxication, you should immediately inform the duty specialist about this. There is no drug that would help in such a situation, but washing the stomach, taking several tablets of activated carbon (at least seven pieces), and a laxative salt will not be out of place.
Treatment
Often, an overdose causes a coma (lasts several hours), and in this case, the victim must be taken to a hospital in which the necessary measures will be taken. Gastric lavage and vomiting in this situation are carried out after the patient regains consciousness. To a greater extent, treatment aims to maintain the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Therapy is mainly symptomatic. The patient needs care and care.
The consequences of an overdose of "Diphenhydramine"
Overdosing with this tool has quite unpleasant consequences. In a person, heart attacks and paralysis of the limbs may occur in the future.
In addition, the excessive effect of the drug on the nervous system can become the cause of the development of various psychoses in the future. The most difficult and terrible outcome is death. You must always comply with medical prescriptions and not use the drug for self-medication, as well as store it in places where children can not get to avoid dangerous situations. In addition, it is undesirable to use Diphenhydramine as a sedative or sleeping pill.