What happens if eye drops are ingested

But now, court documents say the year-old mother of two confessed to administering the poison to him in his water over a three-day period. The chemical in eye drops, tetrahydrozoline, works great on the eyes, but if swallowed in significant quantities, it can attack the nervous system and be deadly. But in real life, the prank is no laughing matter. Ginger Watson knows what it is like to be poisoned by eye drops. Eyedrops and nasal decongestant sprays often contain ingredients intended to reduce eye redness and nasal stuffiness.

These medications are available over-the-counter in pharmacies in the United States and are frequently not packaged in child-resistant containers.

More than of these products contain an ingredient, tetrahydrozoline, that is similar to a commonly used blood pressure-lowering medication called clonidine. Tetrahydrozoline causes constriction of blood vessels when it is applied directly on the eye; this reduces eye redness.

When used in high amounts or when ingested, tetrahydrozoline can also cause sleepiness, low blood pressure, and a dangerously slow heart rate. Young children who consume small amounts of tetrahydrozoline as little as one-half of one teaspoon can develop sleepiness and difficulty breathing. Teenagers and adults who drink larger amounts may also experience heart rhythm abnormalities and breathing problems that can be life-threatening.

Interestingly, despite its reputation as a gastrointestinal irritant, diarrhea is not a common side effect of tetrahydrozoline consumption.

Most cases of tetrahydrozoline exposure occur in adults, but more than one-fourth of all exposures occur in toddlers years of age.

Because tetrahydrozoline ingestion can cause significant toxicity in young children, it is very important for parents and caregivers of young children to be aware of this potentially very dangerous poison. If you or a loved one drank eyedrops or nasal decongestant sprays by accident or on purpose, do not wait for symptoms to occur.

Both options are free for the public, and available 24 hours a day. Call or. The amounts ranged from 0. An article in the medical literature by Spiller et al. Additionally, two literature reports indicate that a 1. Check the Drug Facts label on the package to determine the active ingredients of any over-the-counter product.

These products contain the active ingredients tetrahydrozoline, oxymetazoline, or naphazoline. In the eyes, these ingredients work by narrowing blood vessels to relieve redness due to minor eye irritations. In the nose, they work by narrowing blood vessels to relieve nasal congestion due to the common cold, hay fever, or allergies.

These products are safe when used in the eyes or the nose as directed, but if ingested, they may cause serious and life-threatening adverse events. Visine Advanced Relief. Afrin Extra Moisturizing Nasal Spray.

Naphazoline HCl Ophthalmic Solution. Visine Maximum Redness Relief Formula.