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Use of physostigmine for cyclopentolate overdose in an infant

Oksan Derinoz1, Hamdi C Emeksiz

  • 1Gazi University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Besevler, 06450, Ankara, Turkey. oderinoz@gazi.edu.tr

Pediatrics
|August 22, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Topical eye drops can cause systemic adverse effects in infants. Physostigmine successfully treated respiratory distress, a rare side effect of cyclopentolate, in an infant.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatrics
  • Clinical Toxicology

Background:

  • Topical ophthalmic medications can lead to systemic adverse effects, particularly in pediatric patients.
  • Infants possess unique physiological characteristics increasing their susceptibility to systemic toxicity from eye drops.

Observation:

  • Cyclopentolate, a common cycloplegic agent, can rarely cause respiratory distress in infants.
  • Prompt identification of systemic toxicity signs is crucial for effective management.

Findings:

  • This case report details an infant experiencing respiratory distress following topical cyclopentolate administration.
  • Successful management of cyclopentolate-induced respiratory distress was achieved with physostigmine treatment.

Implications:

  • Physostigmine should be considered a potential antidote for severe, life-threatening systemic adverse effects of cyclopentolate in infants.
  • Close monitoring and timely intervention are vital when administering topical cyclopentolate to pediatric populations.

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