Benzalkonium chloride poisoning in infant twins.
Infant twins sustained severe circumoral and pharyngeal burns from a concentrated solution of benzalkonium (Zephiran) chloride prescribed for treatment of candidiasis. This report emphasizes the unnecessary hazard accompanying use of a potentially toxic drug-especially when prepared in error by the pharmacist-when a safer drug (nystatin) is available for treatment of oral candidiasis. Risks from use of a prescription drug for other than the intended patient are also highlighted by this episode of poisoning.
D001548:Benzalkonium Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000209:etiology*; D002180:Candidiasis, Oral / Q000188:drug therapy; D004200:Diseases in Twins; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008508:Medication Errors; D011247:Pregnancy; D014429:Twins, Dizygotic
D001548:Benzalkonium Compounds