Fast Five Quiz: Can You Recognize and Treat Over-the-Counter Drug Abuse and Toxicity?

Mary L. Windle, PharmD

January 13, 2017

Although most cough and cold preparations may be a combination of medications, a single toxidrome may not be present. The history is helpful to guide the expected physical examination findings; however, the history is often inaccurate. The presentation of a patient with a toxic ingestion is not always straightforward.

Abnormal findings may include the following:

Hyperthermia
Tachypnea
Tachycardia
Hypertension

Hyperthermia has been reported with ingestion of both diphenhydramine and OTC antihistamine/decongestant combinations.

For more on the physical examination of cough and cold preparation toxicity, read here.

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Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.

Cite this: Mary L. Windle. Fast Five Quiz: Can You Recognize and Treat Over-the-Counter Drug Abuse and Toxicity? - Medscape - Jan 13, 2017.

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