Tetrahydrozoline Poisoning - Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What Is Tetrahydrozoline ?

Tetrahydrozoline is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as imidazoles. Its mechanism involves narrowing the blood vessels, which leads to a decrease in swelling and inflammation in the eyes or nasal passages. Tetrahydrozoline is a common medication that is primarily used as a nasal decongestant due to its vasoconstrictive properties, which means that it narrows blood vessels.

Tetrahydrozoline is usually combined with other active ingredients, such as Phenylephrine or Xylometazoline in nasal decongestants, to alleviate nasal congestion associated with allergies, common cold, or sinusitis. Tetrahydrozoline is used as an ingredient in eye drops for the treatment of redness due to eye irritation or allergies

What Are the Uses of Tetrahydrozoline?

Tetryzoline can be used either alone in treatment to provide temporary relief of redness, and discomfort associated with minor eye irritations. It can be used in combination with other anti-irritants and eye lubricants such as Polyethylene glycol 400, Povidone, Dextran, and Zinc sulfate. Additionally, it is indicated for decongesting the mucous membranes of the nasal and nasopharyngeal passages. These items can be purchased without a prescription and are available in various forms, including nasal sprays, nasal drops, and nasal gels. The well-known brand of Tetrahydrozoline eye drops is Visine. The trade name for Tetryzoline in nasal spray is Tyzine.

What Is Tetrahydrozoline Poisoning?

Tetrahydrozoline poisoning is a toxic reaction that occurs when individuals inhale, ingest, or come into contact with large amounts of Tetrahydrozoline. Tetrahydrozoline poisoning occurs mostly due to ingestion or excessive use of a medication containing Tetrahydrozoline, which is a common ingredient in over-the-counter eye drops and nasal decongestants. This can happen in cases of accidental ingestion by young children or when someone mistakenly ingests. In general, a standard dose of Tetrahydrozoline for adults and children who are six years old or older is one to two drops per eye, up to four times per day. Children under six years of age should only use this medication under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

The toxic dose of Tetrahydrozoline is not well established, as it can vary from person to person and depends on the amount of drug ingested. However, even a tiny amount of this medication can be dangerous if ingested, particularly in young children. Ingesting as little as 1 ml (milliliter) of a Tetrahydrozoline-containing product can cause serious symptoms. As published, the toxic dose of Tetrahydrozoline for children when taken orally is 175 mg/kg. Rats and mice have different oral LD50s, with rats having an LD50 of 785 mg/kg and mice having an LD50 of 345 mg/kg. LD50 or Lethal Dose 50 is the amount of a substance that can cause death in 50 percent of the population (particularly tested in animals) that are exposed to it. Meanwhile, rats have an intraperitoneal LD50 of 122 mg/kg, and mice have an LD50 of 110 mg/kg. Lastly, the subcutaneous LD50 for rats is 500 mg/kg.

What Are the Symptoms of Tetrahydrozoline Poisoning?

The symptoms of Tetrahydrozoline poisoning depend on the amount of the ingested medication. Common symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Stomach pain and cramping.

• Increased heart rate.

• High blood pressure.

• Dizziness and lightheadedness.

• Confusion and disorientation.

• Seizures.

• Coma.

• Respiratory distress.

• Respiratory failure in severe cases can be fatal.

How Can Tetrahydrozoline Poisoning Be Diagnosed?

Healthcare professionals may rely on the patient's medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests to diagnose Tetrahydrozoline Poisoning.

• Medical History: The healthcare professional will inquire the patient about the patient's history of taking any medications or supplements that the patient is currently taking or has taken recently.

• Physical Examination: The healthcare professional will do a thorough physical evaluation of the patient, looking for any signs and symptoms of poisoning, including changes in heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and neurological function.

• Laboratory Tests: A blood test can detect the presence of Tetrahydrozoline in the bloodstream, while a urine test can confirm recent exposure to the medication. A complete blood count (CBC) and serum electrolyte test may be performed to assess the patient's overall health and identify any complications of poisoning. These tests help to confirm the diagnosis of Tetrahydrozoline poisoning.

• Imaging Tests: A chest X-ray or CT (computed tomography) scan, may be performed in some cases to evaluate the patient's respiratory function and detect any damage to the lungs or other organs.

What Is the Treatment for Tetrahydrozoline Poisoning?

Tetrahydrozoline poisoning can be treated in the following ways.

• Supportive Care: Supportive care is important in treating this poisoning. This may include providing oxygen or mechanical ventilation to support breathing, administering intravenous fluids to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance, and monitoring heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs.

• Decontamination: Decontamination is often the first step in the treatment of poisoning cases. This may involve inducing vomiting or administering activated charcoal can help to absorb any residual medication in the stomach. Gastric lavage, or stomach pumping, may also be performed in severe cases to remove any remaining medication from the stomach.

• Symptom-Specific Treatment: Specific symptoms of Tetrahydrozoline poisoning may require treatment with medications or other interventions. Seizures may be treated with anticonvulsants, while high blood pressure may be treated with medications to lower blood pressure.

• Monitoring: Patients with this poisoning may require monitoring for several hours or days to ensure that their condition is stable and that there are no further complications. This may involve monitoring vital signs, electrolyte levels, and other laboratory values, as well as monitoring for any signs of respiratory distress or other complications.

How to Prevent Tetrahydrozoline Poisoning?

Following are some tips to prevent Tetrahydrozoline poisoning:

• Read the Label: Always read the label of any medication before use. Look for the active ingredients, dosage instructions, and warnings. Clear questions or concerns with a healthcare professional or pharmacist.

• Follow Instructions: Only use medications as directed by a doctor or as instructed on the label. Do not exceed them or prolong the duration of medication use beyond what is directed.

• Keep Away From Children’s Reach: Store medications out of reach of children and pets. Even small amounts of the medication can be dangerous if ingested.

• Dispose of Unused Medication Properly: Do not keep unused medications containing Tetrahydrozoline in the house. Properly dispose of any unused medication by following local guidelines for medication disposal.

• Avoid Eye Drops With Unclear Labeling: Be cautious of using eye drops that do not have clear labeling and packaging. Always use reputable brands that provide clear and accurate labeling on their products.

Conclusion

Taking appropriate precautions when using medications that contain the active ingredient can prevent Tetrahydrozoline poisoning in most cases. Be aware of the signs of Tetrahydrozoline poisoning, so that individuals can identify them as early as possible. If someone has ingested Tetrahydrozoline, seek medical attention without delay. Proper supportive care and treatment will prevent the development of future complications.