Perforating Gastric Ulceration During Tolazoline Therapy for Persistent Foetal Circulation

Abstract

Gastric ulcerations were observed in an infant with persistent foetal circulation treated with tolazoline. The first symptoms were noted 14 hours after institution of therapy, and free air in the abdomen was visualised 34 hours later. It is suggested that the ulcerations may have been a side effect of tolazoline. The concomitant use of cimetidine may prevent this complication.

Hypoxemia Associated with Cimetidine Therapy in a Newborn Infant

“…Cimetidine appears to be an effective treatment for this common side effect. 1 Histamine H2 receptor antagonists are potent agents influencing the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, hematological, and central nervous system as well as the gastrointestinal tract. Despite the wide multisystemic effects of the drug, side effects are rare.…”

“…Cimetidine, a histamine H2 receptor blocking agent, has been used to treat gastric ulceration associated with tolazoline therapy. 1 We report an infant with congenital diaphragmatic hernia complicated by pulmonary hypertension and treated with tolazoline in whom episodes of hypoxemia were temporally related to intravenous cimetidine therapy.…”