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Attempted suicide with pilocarpine eyedrops
12nd Department of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Hungary.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Ophthalmic solutions, like pilocarpine eyedrops, can cause severe poisoning if ingested or injected. Prompt treatment with atropine and managing symptoms like vomiting led to a full recovery in a suicide attempt case.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Ophthalmic solutions are commonly stored in household refrigerators, increasing accessibility.
- Accidental or intentional ingestion/injection of these solutions poses a significant poisoning risk.
Observation:
- An 18-year-old male presented with severe parasympathomimetic poisoning symptoms after ingesting and self-injecting pilocarpine eyedrops in a suicide attempt.
Findings:
- The patient experienced severe signs of poisoning due to pilocarpine exposure.
- Aggressive management, including inducing vomiting and early intravenous atropine administration, was crucial for recovery.
Implications:
- This case highlights the critical need for ophthalmologists to be aware of the potential hazards associated with ophthalmic solutions.
- Emphasizing safe storage and accessibility of these potent medications is vital to prevent poisoning incidents.