1.
Forensic Sci Int
; 134(2-3): 234-7, 2003 Jul 08.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-12850424
ABSTRACT
The imidazoline derivative naphazoline, an alpha(2)-adrenergic agonist, is used as non-prescription eye and nasal preparation because of its vasoconstrictive and decongestive properties. Especially in children, overdose and/or systemic side effects due to absorption can quickly cause severe central nervous system depression and cardiovascular adverse effects. In a 7-year-old boy was diagnosed a naphazoline intoxication by toxicological analysis. The case was also of forensic interest, because the naphazoline mixture was prepared in a pharmacy in a concentration 80 times above the adequate dosage for children. In general, physicians, pharmacists and the public should be educated about the toxicity of over-the-counter preparations.