Tetrahydrozoline

Mar 30, 2005 Viewed: 647

Alternative names 
Murine; Visine

Definition
Tetrahydrozoline is a derivative of imidazoline, which is found in over-the counter-eye drops and nasal sprays. Other derivatives include naphazoline, oxymetazoline, and xylometazoline. Poisoning can result from an overdose.

Poisonous Ingredient

     
  • tetrahydrozoline

Where Found

     
  • tetrahydrozoline  
  • Tyzine Pediatric Drops  
  • Tyzine  
  • Collyrium Fresh Eye Drops  
  • Eyesine  
  • Mallazine Eye Drops  
  • Murine Plus  
  • Optigene 3  
  • Soothe  
  • Tetrasine Extra  
  • Visine  
  • Visine Extra

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

     
  • body as a whole       o low temperature  
  • respiratory       o difficulty breathing       o no breathing  
  • eyes, ears, nose, and throat       o constricted or dilated pupils       o blurred vision  
  • skin       o blue lips and fingernails  
  • gastrointestinal       o nausea and/or vomiting  
  • heart and blood vessels       o rapid heartbeat       o elevated blood pressure (initially)       o low blood pressure (later)  
  • nervous system       o nervousness       o irritability       o coma       o headache       o tremors       o seizures

Home Treatment
DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY POISON CONTROL OR BY A PHYSICIAN.

Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:

     
  • the patient’s age, weight, and condition  
  • the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)  
  • the time it was swallowed  
  • the amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control Centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room
Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

     
  • induce emesis  
  • administer activated charcoal  
  • administer a laxative  
  • use gastric lavage  
  • administer artificial respiration (breathing) if necessary  
  • maintain adequate respiration rate  
  • treat the symptoms

Expectations (prognosis)
Survival past 24 hours is usually a good sign that recovery will follow.

Johns Hopkins patient information

Last revised: December 8, 2012
by Brenda A. Kuper, M.D.

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All ArmMed Media material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.