Cardiac Arrest after Intravenous Injection of Cimetidine

Abstract

Three episodes, in which patients suffered a cardiac arrest in close association with receiving a bolus intravenous injection of cimetidine, are reported. The possible role of cimetidine in causing cardiac arrest, and the mechanisms which may be involved, are discussed. It is recommended that intravenous administration of cimetidine should be an infusion performed over at least 30 minutes.