Cardiotoxic effects of astemizole overdose in children

Astemizole, a nonsedating antihistamine, caused a prolonged corrected QT interval, ventricular dysrhythmias, and atrioventricular heart block after overdose in five children. Cardiotoxic effects lasted an averaged of 2 1/2 days. Children poisoned with astemizole need emergent medical evaluation, a 12-lead electro-cardiogram with calculation of the corrected QT interval, and continuous cardiac monitoring for 24 hours