Histatrol (Intradermal)

Histamine is used to help diagnose issues or diseases of the stomach. This test measures how much acid your stomach produces.

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

Histamine is to be used only under the supervision of a doctor.

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

In deciding to use a diagnostic test, any risks of the test must be weighed against the benefits it will provide. This decision will be made by you and your doctor. Additionally, other factors may affect test results. For this test, the following should be considered:

Allergies

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

Pediatric

There is no specific information comparing the use of histamine in children with use in other age groups.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work in the same way as they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing the use of histamine in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Breast Feeding

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

Interactions with Medicines

Although some medicines should not be used together at all, in other situations, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might happen. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or consuming certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this diagnostic test. Make sure you tell 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)—May make these conditions worse.

• Kidney disease (severe)—Use with caution. The effects may be stronger because of slower removal of the medicine from the body.

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

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may occur, but if they do, they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse right away if any of the following side effects happen:

More common

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

Less common or rare

• Bluish coloring of the face
• Blurred vision
• Chest discomfort or pain
• Convulsions (seizures)
• Sudden decrease in blood pressure
• Severe diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Flushing or redness of the face
• Severe nausea and vomiting

Some side effects may happen that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you how 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 injection site

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 can 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.