Fatal injection of ranitidine: a case report
2008

Fatal Reaction to Ranitidine: A Case Report

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Oliva Antonio, Partemi Sara, Arena Vincenzo, De Giorgio Fabio, Colecchi Catia, Fucci Nadia, Pascali Vincenzo L

Primary Institution: Catholic University, School of Medicine, Rome, Italy

Conclusion

This case suggests that although the incidence of anaphylactic reactions related to ranitidine is low, caution needs to be exercised on administration of this drug.

Supporting Evidence

  • The patient had no prior allergic reactions.
  • Death occurred shortly after the administration of ranitidine.
  • Autopsy revealed signs consistent with anaphylactic shock.

Takeaway

A man died after getting a shot of ranitidine, which is usually safe, showing that even common medicines can sometimes cause serious problems.

Methodology

The case involved clinical history, histological and toxicological analyses following a fatal reaction to ranitidine.

Limitations

Testing for specific IgE antibodies and mast cell tryptase was not performed due to post-mortem degradation of the serum.

Participant Demographics

A 51-year-old man with no history of allergic events.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1752-1947-2-232

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