Anaphylactic reaction associated with Ranitidine in a patient with acute pancreatitis: a case report

• Main Authors: Rethnam Ulfin, Yesupalan Rajam
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2007-08-01
• Series: Journal of Medical Case Reports
• Online Access: http://www.jmedicalcasereports.com/content/1/1/75

<p>Abstract</p> <p/> <p>Ranitidine is a widely used drug and is known to be well tolerated. This case report illustrates a severe anaphylactic reaction after a single intravenous dose of 50 mgs of ranitidine and highlights this unusual but life threatening adverse reaction.</p> <p>The patient</p> <p>A 56 year old female with acute pancreatitis and a known allergy to metronidazole and buscopan developed an anaphylaxis few minutes following the injection of ranitidine for epigastric discomfort. She went on to develop anaphylactic shock and a cardiorespiratory arrest.</p> <p>Management</p> <p>She was managed with adrenaline, hydrocortisone and ventilatory support following which she had a full recovery.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Awareness of this rare but life threatening adverse reaction to a commonly used drug can avoid being caught unaware.</p>