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Veterinary deworming agent-induced toxic optic neuropathy: a case report
1Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China.
BMC Ophthalmology
|August 15, 2023
Summary
Veterinary antiparasitic drugs triclabendazole and bithionol can cause toxic optic neuropathy. Enhanced warnings are needed for these widely used medications to prevent human poisoning.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary medicine
- Toxicology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Veterinary antiparasitic drugs are prevalent in endemic regions, posing risks of accidental human ingestion and poisoning.
- Parasitic infections necessitate the use of veterinary drugs, increasing potential human exposure.
Observation:
- A 40-year-old male with cirrhosis presented with progressive vision loss.
- The patient had a history of taking veterinary antiparasitic drugs, specifically triclabendazole and bithionol.
- Examination revealed toxic optic neuropathy, unresponsive to standard treatments like steroids and oxygen therapy.
Findings:
- Triclabendazole and bithionol were identified as potential causes of toxic optic neuropathy.
- The patient's optic neuropathy was directly linked to the ingestion of these veterinary antiparasitic agents.
Implications:
- Triclabendazole and bithionol warrant enhanced regulatory supervision and clear warning labels due to their neurotoxic potential.
- Healthcare providers should be aware of the risks associated with veterinary antiparasitic drugs in cases of human optic neuropathy.
- Further research into the mechanisms of optic neurotoxicity of these drugs is recommended.
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