Treated For Heart Attack. Developed Red Itchy Rashes On Thigh After IV Injection. Effective Treatment?

Posted on Mon, 18 Mar 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 Answered on

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Husband experienced extreme dizziness and nausea as he did 10 years ago when having heart attack. Was taken to local ER- large amount of vomiting and diarrhea -and EKG and other treatment began. Was taken by ambulance to Birmingham where his cardiologist is located. Nuclear stress test was done the next day - heart problems were ruled out. Has had many of these tests, so we know he's not allergic to iodine. He is much better and we are home after receiving 2 bags IV. Today he has red, itchy rash around midsection and thighs - front only. What could cause this and what is best treatment??

Answered by Dr. Sujoy Khan (5 hours later)

Hello,

Welcome to Healthcare Magic and thank you for writing to us.

Your husband has indeed gone through a lot of stress, and I hope the cause of gastrointestinal problems has been isolated.
It is important to know what IV was given (the 2 bags you mentioned) as he developed the red, itchy rash after that.
Stress related urticaria is also a possibility and cetirizine 10mg 2 tablets usually is enough to control urticaria.
The cetirizine tablet can be taken for a week after resolution if required, if the itchy feeling continues.

Rashes developing after angiogram would suggest the possibility of cholesterol emboli but these do NOT disapper with cetirizine tabelts.

I hope that was useful.

Best Wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar