Pediatric poisoning from over-the-counter imidazoline-containing products

✍ Scribed by George L Higgins III; Bruce Campbell; Kevin Wallace; Susan Talbot

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1991
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 388 KB
• Volume: 20
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1097-6760
• DOI: 10.1016/s0196-0644(05)82388-1

✦ Synopsis

We present two instructive cases of imidazoline poisoning in young children. Imidazoline decongestants, readily available in numerous nonprescription preparations, can rapidly produce toxicity from oral ingestion and topical application. Signs and symptoms depend on whether peripheral or central c~2-adrenergic receptor stimulation predominates. Timely diagnosis depends on a high index of suspicion and careful questioning about the availability of these over-the-counter products. Standard toxicologic management will prevent significant morbidity. No specific antidote exists.