Diphenhydramine dependence through deep intramuscular injection resulting in myonecrosis and prolonged QT interval. (5th March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, T.‐Y.; Yeh, Y.‐W.; Kuo, S.‐C.; Chen, C.‐Y.; Lin, T.‐P.; Chang, C.‐C.
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics. Volume 39:Number 3(2014:Jun.)
• Page Start: 325
• Page End: 327
• Publication Date: 2014-03-05
• Subjects: Clinical pharmacology -- Periodicals; Chemotherapy -- Periodicals; 615
• DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.12142
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-4727

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="jcpt12142-abs-0001"> <title>Summary</title> <sec id="jcpt12142-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>What is known and objective</title> <p>Diphenhydramine (DPH) is a first‐generation antihistamine, which is useful in treating allergic reaction, and is usually considered innocuous. We describe a retired nurse with history of depression, who began to develop drug‐seeking behaviour after her first receiving of an intramuscular (IM) DPH injection due to urticaria.</p> </sec> <sec id="jcpt12142-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Case summary</title> <p>The 49‐year‐old patient had developed IM DPH dependence within 4 months. She needed to receive psychiatric inpatient treatment because of depressive mood, serious myonecrosis over injected sites, and prolongation of QT interval.</p> </sec> <sec id="jcpt12142-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>What is new and conclusion</title> <p>This is the first reported case of DPH dependence through the IM route. Second‐generation antihistamines might be better choices for patients with psychiatric illness by reason of their lower effects on central nervous system and lower risk of abuse.</p> </sec> </abstract>