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Naphazoline nasal drops intoxication in children
D Vitezić1, V Rozmanić, J Franulović
1Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Rijeka, Croatia.
Arhiv Za Higijenu Rada I Toksikologiju
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Naphazoline nasal drops can cause central nervous system depression in children under six. Intoxication symptoms, including somnolence and hypothermia, resolved within 24 hours, indicating early-age administration is not advisable.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Pediatrics
- Toxicology
Background:
- Naphazoline, a sympathomimetic imidazoline derivative, is commonly used for nasal and ocular decongestion.
- Overdosage or accidental ingestion of naphazoline can lead to severe central nervous system depression, hypothermia, bradycardia, and sweating, particularly in children.
- Pharmacotherapeutic guidelines vary regarding the use of naphazoline nasal drops in young children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cases of naphazoline nasal drop intoxication in children admitted to the Kantrida Paediatric Clinic.
- To analyze the clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of pediatric naphazoline intoxication.
- To highlight the risks associated with early-age administration of naphazoline nasal drops.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 11 pediatric cases of naphazoline nasal drop intoxication hospitalized between 1990 and 1992.
- Clinical data collection including symptoms, vital signs, and duration of hospitalization.
- Review of pharmacotherapeutic literature regarding naphazoline use in children.
Main Results:
- All 11 hospitalized children were under six years of age and presented with central nervous system disturbances, primarily somnolence.
- Commonly observed symptoms included skin pallor, bradycardia, bradypnoea, and hypothermia.
- All patients experienced complete resolution of symptoms within 24 hours with normalization of findings.
Conclusions:
- The clinical presentation of somnolence, bradycardia, and hypothermia following naphazoline nasal drop exposure in young children is indicative of intoxication.
- Factors contributing to intoxication include ease of administration errors and inadequate container design.
- The study strongly advises against the administration of naphazoline drops in children under six years of age due to significant intoxication risks.