Sunday, March 24, 2024
HomeMust ReadCan You Overdose On Allergy Meds

Can You Overdose On Allergy Meds

What Are The Side Effects Of Accidentally Injecting Yourself With An Epipen

Stop a Deadly Overdose With Naloxone From VA

When handling epinephrine auto-injectors, it is easy to accidentally inject yourself with epinephrine. If epinephrine is injected into small areas such as fingers and hands by mistake, blood vessels will constrict at the site of injection. This can reduce blood flow to the area.

  • What happens if you accidentally inject yourself with an EpiPen?

Does an EpiPen contain adrenaline? The active ingredient in both EpiPen and EpiPen Jr auto-injectors is adrenaline, which is a hormone that the body produces naturally. The adrenal glands usually release adrenaline during times of stress.

Who Is More Likely To Abuse Antihistamine

People who abuse other drugs such as alcohol and nicotine are more likely to abuse antihistamines. The categories of people who are more likely to abuse the drug are classified into risk groups:

  • Highly impulsive people
  • People who are genetically predisposed to addiction
  • People who have addictions in their homes or among their peers
  • Those with brains that have characteristics of being addicted to sedatives
  • Victims of physical, psychological, or sexual abuse
  • People with aggressive behavior, especially from a young age
  • Children without parental supervision
  • People living in poverty

Although anyone can become a victim of antihistamine abuse, people who abuse other substances are more likely to get high on these allergy medications. Since these medicines are readily available, even people who dont belong to any of the above risk groups can get addicted.

How Is A Severe Or Life

  • Anticonvulsants are given to stop seizures that may be caused by a medicine overdose.
  • Sedatives may help keep your child calm and relaxed if he is upset or agitated .
  • Vasopressors help constrict the blood vessels and increase your child’s blood pressure. These may be needed if the medicine overdose caused your child’s blood pressure to go lower than it should.
  • A ventilator is a machine that gives your child oxygen and breathes for him when he cannot breathe well on his own. An endotracheal tube is put into your child’s mouth or nose and attached to the ventilator. He may need a trach if an ET tube cannot be placed. A trach is a tube put through an incision in his neck and into his windpipe.
  • A liver transplant may be needed if your child’s liver is badly damaged by a medicine overdose. This is surgery to replace your child’s damaged liver with a healthy donor liver.

Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Sinus Pressure From Allergies

Can You Die From The Benadryl Challenge

YES! There have been several reports of kids ending up in the hospital and even dying as a result of the overdose, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration which issued a strong public warning on the matter.

Taking higher than recommended doses of the common over-the-counter allergy medicine diphenhydramine can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma or even death, said the FDA in the warning.

A purposeful overdose of this drug can cause all of these life-threatening conditions, even in otherwise healthy young adults, says Dr. Cunningham. Its important to know that this challenge is dangerous period.

How Many Hay Fever Tablets Can You Take

Can You Overdose on Benadryl? Here

According to the NHS, there are two main types of antihistamine:

  • The older kind such as chlorphenamine, hydroxyzine, and promethazine which can make you feel dizzy.
  • The newer kind such as cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine which are non-drowsy.

The side effects of each of these will differ, with the older kind you should avoid using heavy machinery as they can affect coordination and judgment, as well as give you blurred vision.

The newer kind can give you a headache, a dry mouth, or make you feel sick.

You should always check the packet of any medication to see the dose you should have. For example, for one-day-type medication it will be one a day. For other over-the-counter types, the maximum will be three tablets per day.

The maximum amount for you to take will also depend on your age and size, and whether youre taking any medications.

If you take more than the recommended amount, it is possible to overdose. In serious cases this could cause tremors, palpitations, seizures, and hallucinations.

Just because its over the counter, doesnt mean theres no risk.

If you think youve taken too many hayfever tablets, or are concerned about mixing them with your current medication, please seek medical attention, even if you feel fine.

Overdose symptoms may be delayed, and its better to get the advice of a professional.

Recommended Reading: Who Should Not Eat Insects Hint Allergies

Is A Drug Allergy Always Dangerous

Not always. The symptoms of a drug allergy may be so mild that you hardly notice them. You might experience nothing more than a slight rash.

A severe drug allergy, however, can be life-threatening. It could cause anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a sudden, life-threatening, whole-body reaction to a drug or other allergen. An anaphylactic reaction could occur minutes after you take the drug. In some cases, it could happen within 12 hours of taking the drug. Symptoms can include:

  • irregular heartbeat
  • swelling
  • unconsciousness

Anaphylaxis can be fatal if its not treated right away. If you have any of the symptoms after taking a drug, have someone call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

When Should I Contact My Child’s Healthcare Provider

  • Your child develops a fever.
  • Your child is flushed and is more tired than usual.
  • Your child has nausea and is vomiting.
  • Your child has swallowed an amount of medicine that may be harmful, but he does not have any signs or symptoms.
  • You have questions or concerns about your child’s condition or care.

Also Check: What Is Total Ige Allergy Test

Before Taking This Medicine

Do not use Buckleys Mixture if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

You should not use Buckleys Mixture if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have any medical conditions.

Buckleys Mixture should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

This medicine may contain phenylalanine. Check the medication label if you have phenylketonuria .

What Are The Differences Between Side Effects And A Drug Allergy

The Drug Users Bible: A Guide to Safe Drug Use

A drug allergy only affects certain people. It always involves the immune system and it always causes negative effects.

However, a side effect might occur in any person taking a drug. Also, it typically does not involve the immune system. A side effect is any action of the drug harmful or helpful that doesnt relate to the drugs main job.

For instance, aspirin, which is used to treat pain, often causes the harmful side effect of stomach upset. However, it also has the helpful side effect of reducing your risks of heart attack and stroke. Acetaminophen , which is also used for pain, can also cause liver damage. And nitroglycerin, which is used to widen blood vessels and improve blood flow, may improve mental function as a side effect.

Side effect

Recommended Reading: Can You Desensitize Yourself To Allergies

What Is Benadryl How Is It Taken Safely

Benadryl was the first antihistamine to receive approval from the Food and Drug Administration . The brand name was acquired by Johnson & Johnson in 2007 and the medication remains a widely-used treatment for allergies and mild cold symptoms.1

Since the medication has been available for several decades, safe dosage and elimination time are well understood. Benadryl is available in a variety of formulations, including tablets, liquid gels, and chewables. The standard dose of diphenhydramine in brand name Benadryl is 25 mg per dose for adults and 12.5 mg per dose in childrens formulas. For the average healthy adult, elimination half-life ranges from 6.7 to 11.7 hours.2 So between 6 to 12 hours after taking Benadryl, half the drug will be eliminated from the body. Within two days, the drug will be completely gone from the body.

Who Should Not Take Claritin

Someone allergic to desloratadine or to loratadine should not take Claritin®. People who have asthma, kidney disease, or liver disease should check with their doctor or pharmacist before taking Claritin®. Also, Claritin® can interact with some medications, so be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure loratadine will not negatively interact with your other medications.

Don’t Miss: Can Allergies Cause Lost Voice

Getting High On Benadryl: How Much Is Safe

Benadryl is a brand name over-the-counter antihistamine medication. Histamine is a substance produced by the body in response to the presence of allergens like pollen, animal hair, or dust. Histamine release underlies certain symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, scratchy feelings in the nose or throat, runny nose, and difficulty breathing. Antihistamines like Benadryl combat the actions of histamine. Some people may also take Benadryl to reduce similar symptoms when they have a cold. Diphenhydramine is the main ingredient in this drug, and the substance can be found in other over-the-counter medications, too.1

Although Benadryl is sold without a prescription, the drug can cause drowsiness and sedation. Misuse of the medication may occur because people do not properly read the directions, mix it with alcohol or other intoxicants, or take too much of it at once. Any form of misuse can be dangerous and may result in severe side effects or an overdose.1

Just like with a prescription drug, it is important to follow the instructions on the package and only take Benadryl in recommended doses for a short period of time.

How Should I Take Loratadine

Saturday is drug take

Use loratadine exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Cold or allergy medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

Loratadine is usually taken once per day. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

Do not crush, chew, or break the regular tablet. Swallow the pill whole.

A child’s dose is based on age and some forms of loratadine are not for use in children younger than 6 years old. Carefully follow the dosing instructions provided with this medicine.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.

To take the orally disintegrating tablet :

  • Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take it. Open the package and peel back the foil. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet.

  • Use dry hands to remove the tablet and place it in your mouth.

  • Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.

Read Also: Why Does Your Throat Hurt With Allergies

Buckleys Mixture Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:hives difficult breathing swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Buckleys Mixture may cause serious side effects. Stop using Buckleys Mixture and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • tingling or

  • feeling restless.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How Is A Nonprescription Medication Overdose Diagnosed

Healthcare providers may not be sure which medicine is causing your child’s overdose. Be sure to tell them every cold or pain medicine your child is taking. Include when your child took these medicines and how much he took of each. Also include how long your child has been taking each medicine. Your child’s healthcare provider may ask if your child has any other medical conditions, such as liver problems or diabetes. He may ask you how you gave your child his medicine and to describe his symptoms. Your child may need tests to help healthcare providers learn if his condition is serious or life-threatening.

  • Blood tests may be needed to give healthcare providers more information about your child’s condition. Your child may need to have blood drawn more than once. If you do not know which medicine your child took, blood tests may be able to tell which medicine is in his body. For example, blood tests may be done to check for acetaminophen in your child’s body. Your child’s healthcare provider may also do blood tests to check his liver.
  • Urine tests may show which medicine is in your child’s body.

Also Check: Can Allergies Make You Sick

Deaths From Antihistamine Overdose

There have been reports of death due to antihistamine toxicity. These include accidental overdoses and intentional misuse.

Death can occur when an overdose causes severe complications such as respiratory distress, cardiac arrest, or seizures. Each persons tolerance to medication can vary. However, toxicity usually occurs when a person ingests three to five times the recommended dosage.

Medical emergency

To avoid life-threatening complications, call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have any symptom of an overdose. You can also call the Poison Control Help Line at 800-222-1222.

What Should I Avoid While Taking Buckleys Mixture

Protect friends and family with lifesaving naloxone (:60)

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Buckleys Mixture will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of this medicine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using over-the-counter medicines that may contain ingredients similar to Buckleys Mixture.

You May Like: Does Allergies Make Your Lymph Nodes Swell

Treatment For Antihistamine Overdoses

Antihistamine overdose treatment works to stabilize the individuals health and provides supportive care. The patient will likely receive activated charcoal in the hospital. This product is typically used in emergencies to help reverse the effects of drug poisoning.

Activated charcoal works as an antidote, stopping the absorption of toxins and chemicals from entering the body from the stomach. Toxins then bind to the charcoal and leave the body through bowel movements.

Additionally, treatment may include cardiac and respiratory monitoring. The prognosis depends on the quantities of antihistamine consumed and the extent of an overdose. However, a full recovery is possible with immediate treatment.

If possible, bring the antihistamine product to the hospital with you.

Tests that may be performed during an antihistamine overdose include:

  • Blood and urine tests
  • Chest x-ray ECG

Treatments may include:

How To Use Antihistamine Oral

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. If you are self-treating, follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication may be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. Drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If your liquid form is a suspension, shake the bottle well before each dose.

Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets or capsules. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split extended-release tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.

If you are using chewable tablets, chew each tablet thoroughly before swallowing.

If you are using a product made to dissolve in the mouth , dry your hands before handling the medication. Place each dose on the tongue and allow to dissolve completely, then swallow it with saliva or with water.

Dosage is based on the product you are taking and your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed without your doctor’s approval. Improper use of this medication may result in serious harm .

Also Check: Do Allergies Cause Swollen Throat

Three Teens Treated At Cook Childrens After Ingesting Excessive Amounts Of The Over

Many parents know TikTok videos are a popular way teens are passing the time these days. However, they may not realize the social media platform has a dark side, and some content may be outright dangerous.

Three teens were treated at Cook Childrens in May after overdosing on the common allergy medicine diphenhydramine aka Benadryl. Each of these patients said they got the idea from videos on TikTok that claimed users could get high and hallucinate if they took a dozen or more of the allergy pills.

One of the teens who ended up at Cook Childrens is a 14-year-old named Rebekah. She took 14 Benadryl pills in the middle of the night on Memorial Day.

I got a call from mom and she was telling me I need to wake up, said Katie, Rebekahs mother. I didnt know what was happening.

Katie was asleep when Rebekah appeared in her older sisters bedroom, obviously intoxicated from the pills. The eldest sister called their grandmother for help, likely trying to avoid getting in trouble with their parents.

It was scary. She had fractured sentences, hallucinations. Her resting heart rate was 199, Katie explained. We rushed her to the local ER and they decided to transport her to Cook Childrens.

While at Cook Childrens, doctors performed an electrocardiogram and they didnt like the results. Rebekah was admitted to the hospital and observed overnight. Thankfully, her heart rate returned to normal the next day and she was able to go home.

RELATED ARTICLES

Most Popular