Naphazoline intoxication in a child-a clinical and forensic toxicological case.
The imidazoline derivative naphazoline, an alpha(2)-adrenergic agonist, is used as non-prescription eye and nasal preparation because of its vasoconstrictive and decongestive properties. Especially in children, overdose and/or systemic side effects due to absorption can quickly cause severe central nervous system depression and cardiovascular adverse effects. In a 7-year-old boy was diagnosed a naphazoline intoxication by toxicological analysis. The case was also of forensic interest, because the naphazoline mixture was prepared in a pharmacy in a concentration 80 times above the adequate dosage for children. In general, physicians, pharmacists and the public should be educated about the toxicity of over-the-counter preparations.
Musshoff
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F
Institute of Legal Medicine, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University, Stiftsplatz 12, 53111 Bonn, Germany. f.musshoff@uni-bonn.de
Gerschlauer
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A
Madea
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B
D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000648:Amnesia, Retrograde / Q000139:chemically induced; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D001919:Bradycardia / Q000139:chemically induced; D002648:Child; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004339:Drug Compounding; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009278:Naphazoline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000652:urine; D014663:Nasal Decongestants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000652:urine; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014474:Unconsciousness / Q000139:chemically induced; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced
D014663:Nasal Decongestants; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D009278:Naphazoline