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CYP2D6 inhibition by diphenhydramine leading to fatal hydrocodone overdose.

Aaron G WhittSaeed A Jortani
Published in: Drug metabolism and personalized therapy (2024)
This case highlights a fatal drug-drug interaction between hydrocodone and diphenhydramine. The estimated total body burden of hydrocodone was 6- to 12-fold higher than acetaminophen, which is unexpected, as these two drugs were administered as a single formulation and have similar half-lives. Furthermore, hydromorphone was undetectable. Taken together, these findings are highly suggestive of a fatal opioid overdose precipitated by diphenhydramine.
Keyphrases
  • drug induced
  • liver injury
  • chronic pain
  • drug delivery
  • pain management
  • adverse drug
  • emergency department
  • risk factors
  • electronic health record