Scombroid poisoning: prompt resolution of symptoms with cimetidine

Ann Emerg Med. 1983 Feb;12(2):104-6. doi: 10.1016/s0196-0644(83)80386-2.

Abstract

Ingestion of tainted fish of the tuna class may result in the toxic erythema and histamine overload of scombroid poisoning. We report four cases in which prompt resolution of symptoms was achieved by administration of intravenous cimetidine, with minimal side effects. A search of the literature failed to locate previous reports of the efficacy of cimetidine in the treatment of this syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Cimetidine / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Fishes*
  • Food Preservation / adverse effects*
  • Foodborne Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Foodborne Diseases* / etiology
  • Guanidines / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Tuna*

Substances

  • Guanidines
  • Cimetidine