MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Tetrahydrozoline

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Tetrahydrozoline

Contents of this page:
Alternative names Definition Poisonous Ingredient Where Found Symptoms	Home Treatment Before Calling Emergency Poison Control, or a local emergency number What to expect at the emergency room Expectations (prognosis)

Alternative names

Murine; Visine

Definition Return to top

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 Return to top

tetrahydrozoline

Where Found Return to top

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 Return to top

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

Home Treatment Return to top

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

Before Calling Emergency Return to top

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 Return to top

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 Return to top

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) Return to top

Survival past 24 hours is usually a good sign that recovery will follow.

Update Date: 8/18/2003

Updated by: David Webner, M.D., Sports Medicine Fellow, Crozer-Keystone Family Practice Program, Springfield, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.