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Respiratory depression after cimetidine reversed by physostigmine

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Abstract

A state of severe respiratory depression and mental confusion after cimetidine administration in a patient with normal renal and hepatic function is described. The condition was reversed by a bolus dose of 2 mg physostigmine IV followed by a continuous infusion of 3.75 mg/h. The possibility of CNS side effects from cimetidine and the antagonism of physostigmine is emphasized, particularly in cases with stress ulcers related to intracranial disorders where sedation and respiratory depression have to be avoided.

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Boström, R., Holmgren, E. & Lundberg, D. Respiratory depression after cimetidine reversed by physostigmine. Intensive Care Med 8, 153–154 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01693436

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01693436

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