Hydroxyzine-induced Torsade de Pointes in a Patient with Complete Atrioventricular Block.

An 82-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of dyspnea and bradycardia during exertion. Electrocardiography revealed complete atrioventricular block. During pacemaker implantation, a small dose (12.5 mg) of hydroxyzine was injected for sedation, and torsade de pointes (Tdp) occurred. The QT interval was prolonged after administration of hydroxyzine, and Tdp was observed after the R on T phenomenon occurred, indicating that hydroxyzine was capable of prolonging the QT interval and causing Tdp. Therefore, we must be cautious when administering hydroxyzine for sedation during surgery, especially in patients with bradycardia.

DTB Select: 7 | July 2014.

Every month, DTB scans sources of information on treatments, disease management and other healthcare topics for key items to bring to our readers' attention and help them keep up to date. To do this, we produce succinct, contextualised summaries of the information concerned. We also include comments on, for example, the strengths of the information, whether it contains anomalies, ambiguities, apparent error or omissions, or whether or how it affects current practice.

Hydroxyzine, a first generation H(1)-receptor antagonist, inhibits human ether-a-go-go-related gene (HERG) current and causes syncope in a patient with the HERG mutation.

QT prolongation, a risk factor for arrhythmias, can result from genetic variants in one (or more) of the genes governing cardiac repolarization as well as intake of drugs known to affect a cardiac K(+) channel encoded by human ether-a-go-go-related gene (HERG). In this paper, we will report a case of drug-induced long QT syndrome associated with an H(1)-receptor antagonist, hydroxyzine, in which a mutation was identified in the HERG gene. After taking 75 mg of hydroxyzine for several days, a 34-year-old female began to experience repetitive syncope. The deleterious effect of hydroxyzine was suspected because QTc interval shortened from 630 to 464 ms after cessation of the drug. Later on, the patient was found to harbor an A614V-HERG mutation. By using the patch-clamp technique in the heterologous expression system, we examined the functional outcome of the A614V mutation and confirmed a dominant-negative effect on HERG expression. Hydroxyzine concentration-dependently inhibited both wild-type (WT) and WT/A614V-HERG K(+) currents. Half-maximum block concentrations of WT and WT/A614V-HERG K(+) currents were 0.62 and 0.52 microM, respectively. Thus, accidental combination of genetic mutation and intake of hydroxyzine appeared to have led to a severe phenotype, probably, syncope due to torsade de pointes.

A randomized double-blinded trial of chloral hydrate with or without hydroxyzine versus placebo for pediatric dental sedation

Chloral hydrate and hydroxyzine are a drug combination frequently used by practitioners to sedate pediatric dental patients, but their effectiveness has not been compared to a negative control group in humans. The aim of this crossover, double-blinded study was to evaluate the effect of these drugs compared to a placebo, administered to young children for dental treatment. Thirty-five dental sedation sessions were carried out on 12 uncooperative ASA I children aged less than 5 years old. In each session patients were randomly assigned to groups P (placebo), CH (chloral hydrate 75 mg/kg) and CHH (chloral hydrate 50 mg/kg plus hydroxyzine 2.0 mg/kg). Vital signs and behavioral variables were evaluated every 15 min. Comparisons were statistically analyzed using Friedman and Wilcoxon tests. P, CH and CHH had no differences concerning vital signs, except for breathing rate. All vital signs were in the normal range. CH and CHH promoted more sleep in the first 30 min of treatment. Overall behavior was better in CH and CHH than in P. CH, CHH and P were effective in 62.5 percent, 61.5 percent and 11.1 percent of the cases, respectively. Chloral hydrate was safe and relatively effective, causing more satisfactory behavioral and physiological outcomes than a placebo.

A associação hidrato de cloral- hidroxizina tem sido utilizada na clínica odontológica para sedar crianças, mas sua efetividade ainda não foi comparada a um controle negativo em humanos. O objetivo deste estudo prospectivo foi avaliar o efeito dessas drogas, comparadas a um placebo, em crianças submetidas a tratamento odontológico. Trinta e cinco sessões de sedação foram realizadas em 12 crianças menores de 5 anos, não cooperativas, ASA classe I. Em cada sessão os pacientes foram aleatoriamente alocados para os grupos P (placebo), CH (hidrato de cloral 75 mg/kg) e CHH (hidrato de cloral 50 mg/kg mais hidroxizina 2,0 mg/kg). Sinais vitais e comportamento foram avaliados a cada 15 min, e comparados pelos testes de Friedman e Wilcoxon. Os grupos não apresentaram diferenças quanto às variáveis fisiológicas, exceto a freqüência respiratória. Todos sinais vitais registrados estiveram dentro de faixa aceitável. CH e CHH promoveram mais sono nos primeiros 30 min de tratamento. O comportamento geral foi melhor em CH e CHH do que em P. CH, CHH e P foram efetivos em 62,5 por cento, 61,5 por cento e 11,1 por cento dos casos, respectivamente. O hidrato de cloral foi seguro e relativamente efetivo, levando a resultados fisiológicos e comportamentais melhores que o placebo.

Patient response in a screened population for interstitial cystitis.

The purpose of this study was to screen a general patient population for interstitial cystitis (IC) and to determine the outcome of combination therapy (pentosan polysulfate sodium [PPS] and hydroxyzine) in newly diagnosed patients. Screening for IC symptoms was performed on 3883 patients (>or=18 yr of age). After further evaluation, a diagnosis of IC was made in 160 patients. These patients were subsequently treated with PPS 200 mg twice a day (off-label usage) and hydroxyzine hydrochloride 25 mg nightly for 1 to 12 mo. Clinically meaningful (>or=50%) improvement in IC symptoms, as measured by the Patient's Overall Rating of Improvement of Symptoms index, was reported by 59 of 122 patients (48.4%) who completed 1 mo of therapy. This effect was sustained for 12 mo in 26 of 28 patients (92.9%) completing the study. The combination of PPS and hydroxyzine hydrochloride was well tolerated and effective in relieving symptoms associated with IC.

[Methadone and sleep apnea syndrome]. / Méthadone et syndrome d'apnées du sommeil.

BACKGROUND: Sleep apnea syndrome occurs when, during sleep, breathing stops for 10 seconds or longer, with an index of 5 times or more an hour. It is clinically characterized by loud snoring at night, continuous or interrupted by pauses followed by loud breathing. Sleep is fitful, broken by arousals, and yields little rest. There is daytime excessive sleepiness with repeated involuntary falling asleep, often unknown by the subject. CLINICAL DESCRIPTION: In this article, we describe an observation of central sleep apnea syndrome in a female patient receiving an opiate replacement therapy. METHOD: An analysis of the before and after methadone withdrawal polysomnograhic tracing was done for this patient. RESULTS: This diagnosis etiology and physiopathology are critically approached. Clinicians should be careful in treating induced sleep disorders in such patients. CONCLUSION: Prescribing benzodiazepines during an opiate withdrawal of the methadone type is not recommended when central apnea occurs.

[A case of catatonia associated with the ingestion of hydroxyzine].

A twenty-six-year male who presented with a consciousness disturbance induced by the ingestion of an estimated 7g of hydroxyzine. He demonstrated bipolar symptoms which consisted of both stupor and excitement, and both an increase in muscle tension and apnea, however, these symptoms improved after the infusion of diazepam. He was diagnosed to demonstrate catatonia. After treatment composing three days of mechanical ventilation in combination with the administration of sedatives and muscle relaxatants, his symptoms improved. Hydroxyzine is thus considered to be able to induce catatonia and this mechanism of this condition is discussed.

[A case of acute urticaria from hydroxyzine hydrochloride used for preanesthetic medication].

We report a case of acute urticaria probably caused by hydroxyzine hydrochloride. A 66-year-old male was scheduled for cardiac cystectomy by thoracic endoscopy. The patient was premedicated with atropine and hydroxyzine intramuscularly 30 min before arrival in the operating room. Abrupt general exanthema was observed when intravenous infusion was started. Although his general condition was stable, the operation was postponed. Three days later, the skin test was performed using several drugs. Only hydroxyzine hydrochloride gave positive result. It is assumed that hydroxyzine hydrochloride may have caused his urticaria.

Cloridrato de hidroxizina: estudo de eficácia e tolerabilidade na urticária aguda na infância / Hydroxyne hydrocloride: study of efficacy and tolerability in acute urticaria in infancy

O estudo demonstra a eficácia e tolerabilidade do cloridrato de hidroxizina nos casos de urticária aguda em pacientes entre 5 e 12 anos que procuraram o Serviço de Alergia da Policlínica Geral do Rio de Janeiro. Foram selecionados 21 pacientes ao acaso com quadro de urticária aguda. Dois parâmetros referentes a urticária foram avaliados: prurido e tamanho das placas eritematosas. Quanto ao prurido foi evidenciado ausência total em 85 porcento dos casos (18 pacientes), sendo que 14 porcento dos casos restantes (3 pacientes) tiveram melhora da condiçäo, tendo em vista que na primeira consulta apresentavam prurido intenso. De forma semelhante se demonstrou reduçäo importante no diâmetro das lesöes. O único evento adverso observado foi sonolência (sedaçäo em 14 porcento dos casos (7 pacientes). Os autores chamam a atençäo quanto a eficácia e tolerabilidade da droga

Prospective controlled study of hydroxyzine and cetirizine in pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Hydroxyzine has been used for many years for the treatment of allergic symptoms. Cetirizine, an active metabolite of hydroxyzine, has become very popular for the treatment of allergy symptoms because of its efficacy without the sedating effects of the parent compound. Little is known about the safety of hydroxyzine use during pregnancy, and there are no published reports on the effects of cetirizine on pregnancy outcome. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether hydroxyzine and cetirizine are associated with any increased risk of malformations in humans. METHODS: All pregnant women counseled by the Motherisk Program in Toronto on the use of hydroxyzine or cetirizine during their pregnancies were enrolled in a prospective, controlled, observational study. The control group consisted of pregnant women matched for age, smoking, and alcohol consumption who were counseled for non-teratogenic drug. RESULTS: One hundred twenty women were followed after exposure to either hydroxyzine or cetirizine during pregnancy. Of these, 53 were exposed to hydroxyzine during organogenesis and 39 to cetirizine. There were no significant differences found between the hydroxyzine or cetirizine groups and the control groups in the pregnancy outcome: rate of livebirths, spontaneous or therapeutic abortion, or stillbirth. There was also no difference in the rates of major or minor anomalies, mean birth weight, mode of delivery, gestational age, or presence of neonatal distress. CONCLUSIONS: The use of hydroxyzine and cetirizine does not appear to be associated with increased teratogenic risk.

Massive tissue necrosis after hydroxyzine injection.

A 47-year-old man hospitalized for disk surgery received a preoperative injection of hydroxyzine hydrochloride in the upper outer quadrant of the gluteal region. The immediate pain decreased after 3 days but later became incapacitating. Substantial tissue necrosis in the region of the injection was confirmed 4 weeks after the injection, and 100 g of necrotic tissue was excised, leaving the patient with lost muscle mass and a definite limp 2 years later. During the injection of hydroxyzine, the needle penetrated through the gluteal muscle and entered the gluteal artery, causing thrombosis of the artery and necrosis of the gluteus maximus muscle. This case and other reported cases indicate that the use of intramuscular hydroxyzine is contraindicated.

A cetirizina pertence à nova geraçåo de anti-histamínicos?: uma investigaçåo de seus efeitos agudos e subcrônicos sobre a conduçåo de veículo em rodovia, o desempenho em testes psicométricos e a sonolência diurna / Does cetirizine belong to the new generation of antihistamines?: an investigation into its acute and subchronic effects on highway driving, psychometric test performance and daytime sleepiness

Vinte e sete voluntários saudáveis do sexo masculino participam deste ensaio duplo-cego cruzado em cinco etapas, que foi realizado para comparar um novo antagonista seletivo dos receptores de H1 - a cetirizina (10 mg q.d.) - e a terfenadina (60 mg b.i.d. e 120 mg q.d.) a um antagonista dos receptores de H1 mais tradicional, a tripolidina (5 mg b.i.d.), e a placebo. Os medicamentos foram administrados durante quatro dias consecutivos e os participantes foram testados no 1§ e no 4§ dias. No teste, os participantes já dirigiram um veículo equipado com instrumentos de mediçåo em uma rodovia de 100 Km, tentando manter uma velocidade constante (90 km/h) e um posionamento lateral estável na faixa de trafégo da direita. A seguir, foram submetidos a três testes computadorizados da memória. No 4§ dia de tratamento, a latência do sono foi medida antes e após o teste de direçåo. Em ambos os dias, a triprolidina comprometeu significativamente o desempenho dos participantes nos testes de direçåo e psicométricos, além de reduzir a latência, em comparaçåo com placebo, no 4§ dia de tratamento. A administraçåo de 60 m g b.i.d. de terfenadina comprometeu o desempenho psicométrico após o tratamento subcronico. Conclui-se que a cetirizina, com a terfenadina, pertence å classe mais recente de antihistamínicos e pode ser administrada com segurança a pacientes que continuam suas atitudes diárias

Comparison between alprazolam and hydroxyzine for oral premedication.

The safety and efficacy of alprazolam and hydroxyzine administered orally as surgical premedicants were compared in a double-blind controlled study. Sixty-five patients were given either alprazolam 1 mg or hydroxyzine 75 mg, one to two hours before surgery. Anxiety was assessed by both the patient and the anaesthetist, the patient using a visual analogue scale, the anaesthetist employing both analogue and ordinal ratings. Sedation was assessed by the anaesthetist only, using the same two methods. Amnesia was appraised with a simple memory test. Safety was assessed by recording adverse effects and measuring haemodynamic variables. Premedication with alprazolam produced a modest reduction in anxiety (28%) (P < 0.01) while hydroxyzine had no detectable effect. The comparison of the sedation level and of the memory test revealed no difference between the two premedicants. Minor side effects were only observed in the hydroxyzine group. Changes in blood pressure were more pronounced in the hydroxyzine group. This study shows that alprazolam and hydroxyzine are safe and efficient oral premedicants. However, alprazolam is preferable to hydroxyzine in terms of anxiolytic and adverse effects.

A new series of oral medications for chronic (cancer) pain relief.

This new program of pain medication provides more even pain relief, avoiding the peaks and valleys of the traditional injections. Patients remain lucid, slightly euphoric, and pain free--even from deep pain. The family is capable of coping and treating the patient in their home, without having to contend with anger, hostility, and frustration. The patients are cooperative, not as demanding, and for the most part, are able to verbalize freely about their impending death to family members and friends in such a manner that when death does occur, it is peaceful . We have not encountered any addiction/habituation problems. We have not experienced any failures as long as the patient could take the oral medication. With continuous examination and evaluation, we have avoided any adverse drug reactions by tailoring the cocktail to the patient's needs and responses on a continuous basis. When changing from injections or other medications to the cocktail program, or when changing from one cocktail to another, the patient is assured that the old medication is available on demand. Should a patient become anxious or fearful that his cocktail will not always work, he is assured that there are others that will. A pain-free patient relieves the anxiety of the family, an important and welcome fact to be considered. By monitoring such factors as dosage, volume, taste, texture, and color, as well as offering other flavoring (cinnamon, lemon, cherry), we have not experienced any patient refusal. Once on the program, their self-respect is regained and their personal pride and sense of well-being are reestablished.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Opioid drugs cause bile duct obstruction during hepatobiliary scans.

Hepatobiliary scans using Tc-IDA are reliable in making the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis. Commonly, opioid drugs are administered in patients with acute cholecystitis to relieve pain. Opioid drugs cause biliary sphincter spasm. Whether these drugs adversely affect hepatobiliary scans is unknown. We studied 13 healthy volunteer subjects, performing three hepatobiliary scans in each one. Scans were performed without opioid drugs and 30 minutes after intramuscularly administered meperidine, morphine, hydroxyzine, hydroxyzine plus meperidine, butorphanol, and nalbuphine. Opioid drugs markedly delayed clearance of Tc-IDA from the common bile duct, simulating common bile duct obstruction. Hydroxyzine alone caused an insignificant delay. We have concluded that opioid drugs cause bile duct obstruction in healthy persons. If opioid drugs are administered before a diagnostic hepatobiliary scan, delayed clearance of Tc-IDA from the common bile duct might lead to an erroneous diagnosis and indicate a potentially unnecessary common bile duct exploration. Opioid drugs should not be administered for several hours before a diagnostic hepatobiliary scan.

Comparative study of midazolam and vesparax in moderate or severe insomnia in female surgical patients.

A double-blind study was conducted in 60 female patients with moderate or severe insomnia, hospitalized for gynaecological surgery. After an initial 2-day placebo selection phase, 30 subjects received 15 mg midazolam and the remaining 30 received 1 tablet Vesparax (= 50 mg hydroxyzine, 150 mg secobarbital, 50 mg brallobarbital) for 5 nights. This verum phase was immediately followed by a 2-day placebo withdrawal phase in order to study the occurrence of rebound phenomena. Both verum compounds were effective in hastening sleep onset, increasing sleep duration, and improving sleep quality, without causing residual effects on the following day. There was no difference in effect between the two agents. Neither active drug caused rebound effects on withdrawal.

Relative hypoxemia during rhytidoplasty.

The results of blood gas analyses in 24 patients who had a rhytidoplasty under local anesthesia indicated that a moderate degree of hypoxemia can be elicited in these patients when they have had standard doses of the usual sedatives. While the acid-base abnormalities were generally corrected spontaneously, the extent of the hypoxemia can be aggravated further by the additional use of diazepam during the operation. Therefore, over-sedation of such a patient during the operation, without a secured airway, must be avoided. Additionally, we recommend deep breathing at frequent intervals, with or without supplemental oxygen through a high flow system.