Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HISTAMINE DIHYDROCHLORIDE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

A potent vasodilator found in normal tissues and blood and in nature as result of
putrefaction. When given parenterally stimulates smooth muscle especially the bronchioles
and lowers blood pressure by dilating the arterioles and capillaries. Stimulates secretion
by many glands, especially the gastric glands. Stimulates the secretion of pepsin and acid
by the stomach; . eating and vagal stimulation promotes the release of histamine from
gastric mucosa. Given as the acid phosphate by subcutaneous injection to identify the
causes of achlorhydria and as a diagnostic aid for phaeochromocytoma since it also has a
stimulant action on chromaffin cells. Also used to determine histamine sensitivities. The
flavoprotein diamine oxidase converts histamine to the corresponding aldehyde and ammonia.
Some undegraded histamine in the form of N- acetyl- and N- methyl derivatives is excreted
in the urine.

SYNONYMS

C5-H9-N3.2HCl, Alergenol, Amin-Glaukosan, Imido, Imadyl, "dihydrochloride of:", beta-
aminoethylglyoxaline, beta-aminoethylimidazole, "ethylamine, 2-imidazol-4-yl-",
"ethylamine, 2-imidazol-4-yl-", "free histamine", "imidazole, 4-(2-aminoethyl)-",
"imidazole, 4-(2-aminoethyl)-", 1H-imidazole-4-ethanamine, 1H-imidazole-4-ethanamine,
imidazole-4-ethylamine, imidazole-4-ethylamine, 4-imidazoleethylamine, 4-
imidazoleethylamine, 5-imidazoleethylamine, 5-imidazoleethylamine, beta-imidazolyl-4-
ethylamine, beta-imidazolyl-4-ethylamine, 2-(4-imidazolyl)ethylamine, 2-(4-
imidazolyl)ethylamine

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  Respiratory sensitization may result in allergic/asthma like responses; from coughing and minor breathing difficulties to bronchitis with wheezing, gasping.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  There is some evidence that inhaling this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact/absorption and inhalation of generated dust.  Injection of histamine as the acid phosphate or hydrochloride produces a  range of adverse effects including headache, flushing of the skin,  general vasodilation with lowered blood pressure, bronchial constriction  and dyspnea, visual disturbance, diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal  effects. Reactions may be severe and may result in collapse, shock or  fatalities.