Monosodium glutamate

• Rapid onset 30 min and lasts about 1 hour
• May accompanied with headache & chest pain.
• No associated GI sx.
• History of eating Chinese fodd. AKA "Chinese restaurant syndrome"

 

Metabisulfites (Na sulfite, Na/K bisfulfite, Na/K metabisulfite, etc.)

• Food preservatives found in dried fruit, wine, molasses, sauerkraut, etc.
• Bronchospasm – asthma like, headache, mild hypotension can occur
• Most significant reaction in people with asthma/allergies
• History of trying to eat "healthy"

 

Tyramine reaction

• Mostly among patients taking MAO inhibitors
• Source of tyramine (food): fermented, pickled product, avocado, chocolate, etc.

 

Niacin

• Burning warm sensation to body
• Often used for sexual enhancement, elevated cholesterol and beating drug urine screens

 

Trichloroethylene

• Occupational exposure – AKA “Degreaser’s flush”
• Facial flushing, head pressure, lacrimation & blurred vision may occur
• Require several weeks of exposure prior to symptoms

 

Scrombroids

• Occurs after a “fish meal” (e.g. dark meat fish - tuna)
• Associated with GI symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
• Histamine related reaction due to poor refrigeration after catching fish.

 

Hydroxocobalamin

• Antidote for CN poisoning
• Skin become red after administration due to its color (red)