Allergy Asthma Immunol Res.  2011 Apr;3(2):128-131. 10.4168/aair.2011.3.2.128.

Two Cases of H2-Receptor Antagonist Hypersensitivity and Cross-Reactivity

• Song WJ
• Kim MH
• Lee SM
• Kwon YE
• Kim SH
• Cho SH
• Min KU
• Kim YY
• Chang YS

• KMID: 2130365
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4168/aair.2011.3.2.128

Abstract

H2-receptor antagonists, such as cimetidine, ranitidine and famotidine, are some of the most commonly prescribed medications for gastric acid-related disorders. These compounds are generally well-tolerated and anaphylactic reactions to them are rare. Here, we report two cases of H2-receptor antagonist-induced anaphylactic reactions: the first presented with sudden dyspnea, sneezing, urticaria, and swelling of the eyelids after ranitidine intake. The second presented with sudden severe urticaria, facial swelling, chest discomfort, dizziness, and hypotension. Possible cross-reactivity with other H2-receptor antagonists was assessed by oral challenge and skin tests. To date, only a few reports addressing cross-reactivity among H2-receptor antagonists have been published. We review the literature and summarize the data available on drug cross-reactivity in H2-receptor antagonist hypersensitivity.

Keyword

Histamine H2 receptor antagonists; cross reactions; drug hypersensitivity; allergy

MeSH Terms

Anaphylaxis
Cimetidine
Cross Reactions
Dizziness
Drug Hypersensitivity
Dyspnea
Eyelids
Famotidine
Histamine H2 Antagonists
Hypersensitivity
Hypotension
Ranitidine
Skin Tests
Sneezing
Thorax
Urticaria
Cimetidine
Famotidine
Histamine H2 Antagonists
Ranitidine

Figure

• 

  Figure Chemical structures of H2-receptor antagonists.

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