Are nasal decongestants safer than rhinitis? A case of oxymetazoline-induced syncope.
Derivatives of Imidazoline usually act to stimulate peripheral alpha2 receptors causing vasoconstriction. In young children, however, they can also stimulate alpha2receptors in the cardiovascular and central nervous systems, possibly causing cardiovascular, neurological, and respiratory depression. These medications do not require medical prescriptions, so often parents use them, bypassing paediatricians. We report here a case of cardiovascular and neurological depression induced by oxymetalzoline in a toddler.
Pediatric Cardiology and Adult Congenital Unit, University of Bologna, Ospedale S. Orsola Malpghi, via Massarenti 9, Bologna (BO), Italy. marianna.fabi@libero.it
Marianna
M
Fabi
Roberto
R
Formigari
Fernando M
FM
Picchio
D001919:Bradycardia / Q000139:chemically induced; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004452:Echocardiography; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D014663:Nasal Decongestants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010109:Oxymetazoline / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000188:drug therapy; D013575:Syncope / Q000139:chemically induced*
D014663:Nasal Decongestants; D010109:Oxymetazoline