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Tetrahydrozoline poisoning

Definition:

Tetrahydrozoline is a derivative of a medicine called imidazoline, which is found in over-the-counter eye drops and nasal sprays. Tetrahydrozoline poisoning occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally swallows this product.

Alternative Names: Murine; Visine

Poisonous Ingredient:

Tetrahydrozoline

Where Found:

Tetrahydrozoline is sold under the following brand names:

Tyzine
Eyesine
Murine Tears Plus
Optigene 3
Geneye
Visine Original and Advanced Relief

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

Symptoms:

Lungs
- Difficulty breathing
- No breathing
Eyes and skin
- Blurred vision
- Blue lips and fingernails
- Change in pupil size
Heart
- High blood pressure (at first)
- Low blood pressure (later)
- Rapid heartbeat
Stomach and intestines
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Nervous system
- Coma
- Headache
- Irritability
- Nervousness
- Tremors
- Seizures
Other
- Low body temperature

Home Treatment:

Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

Before Calling Emergency:

Determine the following information:

The patient's age, weight, and condition
The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
The time it was swallowed
The amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number:

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to expect at the emergency room:

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:

Activated charcoal
Breathing assistance (artificial respiration) if necessary
Laxative
Methods to cause vomiting
Tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage )

Expectations (prognosis):

Survival past 24 hours is usually a good sign that recovery will follow.

Review Date: 5/18/2007
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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