title: Coma and apnea in a dog with hydroxyzine toxicosis.
abstract: Hydroxyzine is a commonly prescribed H1-receptor antagonist in small animal practice. The most common adverse effect reported after therapeutic dosing is mild sedation; severe reactions resulting in coma have occasionally been reported in children. We present a case of large po hydroxyzine exposure causing in coma and apnea in a dog. Exposure was confirmed with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of urine. Extensive therapeutic measures to enhance drug elimination and assist ventilation were required for 11 d. The positive outcome justifies critical care of similarly exposed animals. Veterinarians should be aware of the potential for coma and apnea secondary to hydroxyzine exposure.
authors.affiliation: California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California, Davis 95617, USA.
authors.forename: John H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Tegzes
authors.forename: Sean D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Smarick
authors.forename: Birgit
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Puschner
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001049:Apnea / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D003128:Coma / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000506:poisoning*; D006919:Hydroxyzine / Q000506:poisoning*
chemical_list: D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D006919:Hydroxyzine