Doxylamine overdose as a potential cause of rhabdomyolysis

Doxylamine succinate, an over-the-counter antihistamine, is commonly used a s a nighttime sleep aid in the short-term management of insomnia. It is als o used in combination with antitussive and decongestant agents for the temp orary relief of common cold symptoms. Doxylamine is frequently involved in accidental and intentional overdoses. Rhabdomyolysis and secondary acute re nal failure are rare but potentially serious complications, making early re cognition and treatment essential. With the large number of nonprescription antihistamines and sleep aids available to the general public, it is impor tant to keep in mind that overdose is a potential problem. The complication s associated with overdose of these medications are just as life threatenin g as those associated with prescription drugs. A high index of suspicion an d evaluation of rhabdomyolysis is warranted in antihistamine toxicity. We r eport an observation of severe rhabdomyolysis associated with doxylamine ov erdose.