Doxylamine succinate is available in many countries as an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine approved as a sleep aid.
Chemical class: ethanolamine
Circumstances of toxicity:
(1) accidental overdose, which may be associated with some degree of renal impairment resulting in drug accumulation
(2) suicidal intent
The most serious side effect is rhabdomyolysis which can result in acute renal failure.
Additional toxic effects include:
(1) acute pancreatitis
(2) somnolence
(3) coma
(4) seizures
(5) mydriasis
(6) tachycardia
(7) psychosis or catatonia
(8) syndrome of inappropriate diuresis
An intentional overdose may be mixed with other drugs including alcohol.
Doxylamine can cause a false positive urine drug screening test for methadone.
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Specialty: Toxicology, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care
ICD-10: ,
