Topical diphenhydramine toxicity in a five year old with varicella

Pediatr Emerg Care. 1988 Mar;4(1):18-20. doi: 10.1097/00006565-198803000-00006.

Abstract

The toxic effects of oral diphenhydramine are well documented and include central nervous system and anticholinergic symptomatology. We present a case of diphenhydramine intoxication from combined oral/percutaneous medication. Overzealous application of a commercially available topical diphenhydramine preparation resulted in hallucinations and other side effects in a five-year-old child with varicella.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Chickenpox / drug therapy*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diphenhydramine / administration & dosage
  • Diphenhydramine / poisoning*
  • Hallucinations / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nonprescription Drugs / poisoning

Substances

  • Nonprescription Drugs
  • Diphenhydramine