Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 31, 2026

Halogenated Agent Delivery in Porcine Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome via an Intensive Care Unit Type Device
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

Serum concentrations in three children with unintentional tetrahydrozoline overdose

Jennifer A Lowry1, Uttam Garg

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. jlowry@cmh.edu

Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|July 12, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Tetrahydrozoline (THZ) eye drops can cause serious CNS and cardiovascular symptoms in children. This study reports three pediatric cases, calculating a THZ half-life of 4.4 hours in one instance.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Pharmacokinetics

Background:

  • Tetrahydrozoline (THZ) ingestion in children can lead to severe central nervous system (CNS) depression and cardiovascular compromise.
  • Over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops containing THZ pose a significant risk to young children if ingested.
  • Limited human pharmacokinetic data exist for THZ following ingestion.

Observation:

  • Three pediatric cases of THZ eye drop ingestion are presented.
  • Symptoms included altered mental status, bradycardia, hypothermia, and hypotension.
  • Two cases involved significant ingestion (7.5 mL), with one requiring intubation due to rapid deterioration.

Findings:

  • Serum THZ concentrations were measured using gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry (GC-MS).
  • A plasma half-life of 4.4 hours was calculated for THZ in one pediatric patient.
  • All children recovered within 24 hours after intensive care observation.

Implications:

  • This study provides valuable human pharmacokinetic data for tetrahydrozoline (THZ) in pediatric overdose cases.
  • Understanding THZ toxicokinetics is crucial for managing pediatric ingestions and improving clinical outcomes.
  • Highlights the importance of secure storage of OTC medications to prevent accidental pediatric ingestion.
Abstract

More Related Videos

High Content Screening Analysis to Evaluate the Toxicological Effects of Harmful and Potentially Harmful Constituents (HPHC)11:38

High Content Screening Analysis to Evaluate the Toxicological Effects of Harmful and Potentially Harmful Constituents (HPHC)

Published on: May 10, 2016

Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia13:13

Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia

Published on: August 24, 2011

Related Concept Videos

Toxidromes: Clinical Features01:30

Toxidromes: Clinical Features

Toxidromes are specific patterns of symptoms resulting from toxic substance exposure. They help in the identification and treatment of poisoning. The symptoms of each toxidrome group indicate poisoning by a certain class of chemicals or drugs.1. Sympathomimetic: Stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. Symptoms include agitation, increased heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), respiratory rate (RR), temperature, and pupil size. Drugs like cocaine and amphetamines, along with tremors and...
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios01:26

Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios

Pharmaceutical poisoning can occur through various channels, impacting an estimated 2 million hospitalized patients in the U.S. annually with serious adverse drug responses. These scenarios encompass both therapeutic uses, such as drug toxicity, where even standard dosages can lead to severe central nervous system depression, and non-therapeutic exposures, including accidental ingestion by children, and environmental and occupational exposures.Unintentional poisonings often involve exploratory...
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies01:26

Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies

Treatment strategies for poisoning are a critical aspect of emergency medicine, focusing on preventing the absorption of toxins and enhancing their elimination. When a poisoning incident occurs, the first response is to halt exposure and decontaminate the patient, particularly through gastrointestinal (GI) methods if the poison was ingested.Gastrointestinal Decontamination Techniques:Activated charcoal is the cornerstone of GI decontamination. It works through adsorption, binding the toxin to...
Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment01:26

Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment

Anticholinesterases, also known as cholinesterase inhibitors, work by blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine, leading to its accumulation in the synaptic cleft. This accumulation indirectly enhances both muscarinic and nicotinic actions. These agents are classified as reversible or irreversible based on their mechanism of action.     
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...
Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison01:14

Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison

In cases of acute poisoning, the primary objective is to prevent further absorption of the toxic substance into the body. Immediate interventions using various decontamination techniques targeting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can achieve this. Decontamination is crucial to prevent poison from entering the systemic circulation, which involves washing affected areas with water and mild soap and removing contaminated clothing. Once external decontamination is done, attention must be turned to...
Drug Toxicity: Dose-Dependent Reactions01:24

Drug Toxicity: Dose-Dependent Reactions

Drug toxicities can be stratified into pharmacological, pathological, or genotoxic based on their mechanisms. The incidence and severity of these toxicities generally increase with the drug's concentration in the body and exposure time.Pharmacological toxicity is evident when the therapeutic effects of drugs overshoot into adverse reactions in a predictable, dose-dependent manner. Central nervous system (CNS) depression from barbiturates is a classic example, with effects escalating from...