Histamine (Intradermal)

Histamine helps diagnose problems or diseases of the stomach. This test measures how much acid your stomach produces.

How the stomach test is done: Before giving this medicine, the stomach contents are emptied using a tube. Then, a dose of histamine, based on your body weight, is injected under the skin. Five minutes later, the stomach contents are emptied and checked for acidity. This procedure may be done several times. An antihistamine medicine may be given before the histamine injection to prevent possible unwanted effects.

Histamine should only be used under a doctor's supervision.

Do not swallow saliva during the test. The saliva may change the results of the test.

In deciding to use a diagnostic test, you and your doctor must consider the risks of the test against the benefits it may provide. Other factors can also influence test results. For this test, keep the following in mind:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

There is no specific information available about using histamine in children compared to other age groups.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older adults. Therefore, it may not be clear whether they work the same way as in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or issues in older adults. There is no specific information regarding the use of histamine in the elderly compared to other age groups.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication during breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction could happen. In these situations, your doctor may adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medications.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken around the time of eating food or specific types of food due to possible interactions. Drinking alcohol or using tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may affect the use of this diagnostic test. Be sure to inform your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• Heart disease or
• High blood pressure (severe) or
• Low blood pressure or
• Lung disease (especially asthma)—These conditions may worsen.

• Kidney disease (severe)—Use carefully. The effects may be heightened due to slower elimination of the medicine from the body.

• Pheochromocytoma—Histamine may cause serious damage to the brain and blood vessels.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Fast or pounding heartbeat
• Headache (continuing or severe)
• Lightheadedness
• Nervousness

Less common or rare

• Bluish coloration of face
• Blurred vision
• Chest discomfort or pain
• Convulsions (seizures)
• Decrease in blood pressure (sudden)
• Diarrhea (severe)
• Difficulty with breathing
• Flushing or redness of the face
• Nausea and vomiting (severe)

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Abdominal spasms or cramps
• Diarrhea
• Metallic taste
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Swelling or redness at the place of injection

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Histatrol

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Diagnostic Agent

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a hospital. This medicine is given through a needle placed under the skin.