Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026
09:36
Halogenated Agent Delivery in Porcine Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome via an Intensive Care Unit Type Device
Published on: September 24, 2020
Acute pulmonary edema associated with naphazoline ingestion
Hidetada Fukushima1, Kazunobu Norimoto, Tadahiko Seki
1Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijou cho, Kashihara City, Japan. hidetada@naramed-u.ac.jp
Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|September 14, 2007
Summary
Intentional ingestion of naphazoline antiseptic caused acute pulmonary edema in three patients. Symptoms resolved within 24 hours, indicating a reversible condition with proper medical care.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Naphazoline is a common ingredient in over-the-counter antiseptic first aid liquids.
- Ingestion of naphazoline has been associated with various clinical effects, including hypertension and bradycardia.
Observation:
- Three cases of acute pulmonary edema following intentional ingestion of naphazoline-containing antiseptic are presented.
- Patients exhibited altered mental status, hypertension, bradycardia, and diaphoresis.
- Chest X-rays confirmed acute pulmonary edema, with two patients requiring mechanical ventilation.
Findings:
- All reported clinical effects, including acute pulmonary edema, resolved within 24 hours.
- Patients were discharged without any lasting sequelae.
- Naphazoline's stimulation of peripheral alpha-2 adrenergic receptors is hypothesized to cause intense vasoconstriction, leading to increased cardiac afterload and pulmonary edema.
Implications:
- This case series highlights a potential severe adverse effect of naphazoline ingestion.
- Understanding the mechanism of naphazoline-induced pulmonary edema is crucial for emergency medical treatment.
- Prompt medical intervention can lead to complete recovery from naphazoline toxicity.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Pulmonary Edema II: Pathophysiology
Pulmonary edema is the accumulation of fluid in the interstitial and alveolar spaces of the lungs, impairing gas exchange and oxygen delivery. It may be cardiogenic or noncardiogenic, but both reduce oxygenation and lung compliance.Cardiogenic Pulmonary EdemaCardiogenic edema results from increased hydrostatic pressure in pulmonary capillaries, usually due to left ventricular dysfunction from myocardial infarction, heart failure, or valvular disease. Ineffective cardiac pumping causes blood to...
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
01:28Adrenergic Agonists: Mixed-Action Agents
Mixed-action adrenergic agonists, like ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, directly and indirectly affect adrenergic receptors. These agents stimulate adrenoceptors and indirectly release stored neurotransmitters, amplifying the adrenergic response.
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...
01:29Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
01:23Acute Respiratory Failure-IV
Respiratory failure can manifest suddenly or gradually, characterized by a rapid decline in PaO2 and a rapid rise in PaCO2. This situation indicates a severe respiratory problem that may quickly become a life-threatening emergency. One of the early signs of hypoxemic Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) is a change in mental status due to the brain's sensitivity to oxygen levels and changes in acid-base balance. Symptoms such as restlessness, confusion, and agitation suggest inadequate oxygen...