Attempted suicide with pilocarpine eyedrops.
OBJECTIVE
To alert ophthalmologists about the hazards of poisoning with ophthalmic solutions.


METHODS
We treated an 18-year-old man who attempted suicide by drinking and self-injecting pilocarpine eyedrops. He had severe signs of parasympathomimetic poisoning.


RESULTS
Because of heavy and repeated vomiting and the early administration of intravenous atropine, he fully recovered.


CONCLUSIONS
Because they are usually stored in household refrigerators and are readily accessible, the potential hazard of poisoning with ophthalmic solutions is worth emphasizing.
Pfliegler
G P
GP
2nd Department of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Hungary.
Palatka
K
K
D000293:Adolescent; D001285:Atropine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008297:Male; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D010275:Parasympathetic Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D010862:Pilocarpine / Q000506:poisoning*; D011041:Poisoning / Q000188:drug therapy; D013406:Suicide, Attempted; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced
D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D010862:Pilocarpine; D001285:Atropine