ACUTE TRANSIENT VISUAL LOSS FOLLOWING ANTIHISTAMINE ADMINISTRATION IN A TRAUMA PATIENT WITH GILBERT SYNDROME


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Kurt M.

13th International Acharaka Congress on Medicine, Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Sciences, 16 - 18 February 2026, pp.946-947, (Full Text)

Abstract

Background: Gilbert syndrome is a benign hereditary hyperbilirubinemia caused by reduced UDPglucuronosyltransferase activity. Although antihistamines are generally considered safe, altered hepatic

metabolism may predispose susceptible individuals to unexpected adverse effects.

Case Presentation: A 26-year-old male trauma patient developed sudden, complete bilateral vision loss

shortly after intravenous pheniramine maleate administration for an allergic reaction. Neurological

examination and cranial imaging were normal. The visual loss resolved completely within five hours.

During the episode, total bilirubin level was 1.5 mg/dL. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with

Gilbert syndrome.

Conclusion: Even commonly used and generally safe medications may cause serious neurological

adverse events in patients with underlying metabolic susceptibility. Drug-induced causes should be

considered in cases of unexplained acute vision loss.