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Histamine-2-Receptor Antagonists and Serum Ethanol Levels
- Jean-Pierre Raufman, MD;
- Vincent Notar-Francesco, MD; and
- Robert D. Raffaniello, MD
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IN RESPONSE:
We appreciate the comments made by Dr. Jones on our recent article [1] about the lack of interaction between histamine-2-receptor antagonists and orally ingested ethanol.
Dr. Jones is correct in noting that the breath ethanol values given in our article actually represent an estimation of blood ethanol concentration. This was clearly stated in the legend to Figure 4: Values determined using the Lion Alcolmeter actually represent blood ethanol concentrations. We felt that referring to these values as breath ethanol, rather than blood ethanol, would be less confusing for most readers.
Dr. Jones suggests that error may account for the higher values obtained using the breath analyzer compared with those obtained using gas chromatography. We believe these differences reflect well-known methodologic problems associated with breath analyzers that have been previously reported by Dr. Jones [2]. In our study, ethanol was given orally, in contrast to those in which ethanol was administered intravenously. Thus, despite extensive rinsing of the mouth and pharynx, it is certainly possible that residual oral ethanol contributed to the slightly higher readings observed with the breath analyzers. It is for these reasons that our conclusions were based on data obtained from head-space gas chromatographic measurements of ethanol concentration. Nevertheless, as Dr. Jones points out, it is evident from our study that regardless of the method used to measure ethanol, there is no clinically important interaction between ethanol and histamine-2 blockers.
The Editors welcome submissions for possible publication in the Letters section. Authors of letters should:
Include no more than 300 words of text, three authors, and five references
Type with double-spacing
Send three copies of the letter, an authors' form signed by all authors, and a cover letter describing any conflicts of interest related to the contents of the letter.
Letters commenting on an Annals article will be considered if they are received within 6 weeks of the time the article was published. Only some of the letters received can be published. Published letters are edited and may be shortened; tables and figures are included only selectively. Authors will be notified that the letter has been received. If the letter is selected for publication, the author will be notified about 3 weeks before the publication date. Unpublished letters cannot be returned.
Annals welcomes electronically submitted letters.
- Copyright 2004 by the American College of Physicians
