title: Diphenhydramine overdose during pregnancy: lessons from the past.
abstract: A primigravid woman was seen for the first time in a disoriented and combative state, with regular, painful uterine contractions. Evaluation revealed a negative illicit drug screen, no evidence of preeclampsia, and a nonfocal neurologic examination. Further workup revealed urinary diphenhydramine levels suggesting drug overdose. This case serves as a reminder of the oxytocin-like effects of diphenhydramine.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425, USA.
authors.forename: B C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Brost
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Scardo
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Newman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004155:Diphenhydramine / Q000506:poisoning*; D062787:Drug Overdose; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000494:pharmacology; D011247:Pregnancy; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D010121:Oxytocin; D004155:Diphenhydramine