Cimetidine in the treatment of refractory anaphylaxis.

After preoperative intubation and administration of intravenous cefuroxime, a 48-year-old white female developed anaphylactic shock that was refractory to the usual therapeutic measures but was responsive to treatment with intravenous cimetidine. Beta-lactam sensitivity was subsequently confirmed by skin testing. Cimetidine, which antagonizes arterial H2 receptors, may be useful in the treatment of anaphylaxis refractory to the usual resuscitative measures.