Ingesting this substance can lead to a variety of harmful side effects such as dramatically lowering body temperature, causing severe breathing difficulty, respiratory failure, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, blood pressure fluctuation, tremors, seizures and even coma. Some reports show that patients who ingest tetrahydrozaline have severe drops in blood pressure and heart rate, which may seem counterintuitive, considering eye drops are meant to constrict blood. Clayton, you sure have tangled this one up, he said. MILWAUKEE Prosecutors have accused a suburban Milwaukee woman of killing her friend by poisoning her with eyedrops. The person may receive: Survival past 24 hours is usually a good sign that the person will recover. A 33-year-old Pennsylvania woman could spend the rest of her life in prison after admitting to police that she repeatedly poisoned her boyfriend with Visine eye drops for more than three years in . If the victim is not breathing, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. In Clinical Toxicology (Vol. The active ingredient in eye drops such as Visine is tetrahydrozoline HCI. The teen could have faced 10 years in prison if she were to go to trial and found guilty. It should never be ingested for the consequences can even be fatal The amount will vary, even a small amount can be lethal. For an adult, the ingestion of 100mg of conium or about 8 leaves of the plant is fatal. Ive reached out to Visine and Johnson & Johnson for comment on these cases. Clayton's family released a statement on the allegations against his wife. Thats why you dont typically eat your contact lens. Learn more about A.D.A.M. When consumed orally, tetrahydrozoline passes quickly through the gastrointestinal tract, rapidly reaching the blood and the central nervous system. Putting two drops in both eyes six times a day would only equal about one milliliter of fluid. Our state-of-the-art medical center serves an urban population of 1 million from north Florida to south Georgia. She was hospitalized with a multitude of symptoms, but fortunately survived. The sample showed a high amount of chemical from the eye drops. Aronson JK. Tetrahydrozoline is sold under the following brand names: Note: This list may not be all inclusive. They will give you further instructions. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. Young children who consume small amounts of tetrahydrozoline (as little as one-half of one teaspoon) can develop sleepiness and difficulty breathing. Your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. stinging or burning of the eye blurred vision increased eye redness or irritation If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using tetrahydrozoline eye drops and call your doctor immediately: headache sweating fast or irregular heartbeat nervousness In the past two years, there have been three separate criminal cases involving Visine. Tetrahydrozoline can be absorbed through your gastrointestinal tract into your main blood circulation much more readily and then travel to your heart and central nervous system. Next got in a car accident and died. Visine is clearly labeled for external use only and should never be swallowed., This is a BETA experience. A typical bottle of eye drops contains anywhere from 15 to 30 milliliters of solution. When used in high amounts or when ingested, tetrahydrozoline can also cause sleepiness, low blood pressure, and a dangerously slow heart rate. Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs. With such severe and potentially deadly risks, it is just not worth the squeeze. Gentissi experienced vomiting and bleeding from his rectum, and Anzalone eventually agreed to a plea bargain with prosecutors under which she was ordered to pay $10,000 in hospital bills, serve three years' probation, and obey an order of protection. A majority of the cases are often not fatal, when appropriate treatment is given. Tetrahydrozoline or tetryzoline is an alpha agonist (substances that help blood vessel constriction) found in certain eye drops and nasal solutions, It is an over-the-counter medication that is commonly used for children and adults. Tetrahydrozoline is an imidazoline derivative found in several ophthalmic and nasal decongestants. Vaso stands for vessel as in blood vessel and constrictor means make more narrow. When blood vessels become more narrow, less blood can flow through them. Over-the-counter eyedrops and decongestant sprays are frequently used to treat upper respiratory congestion and irritated, red eyes. Medical literature reports other cases of small children brought to the brink of crisis by ingestion of tiny amounts of over-the-counter eye drops. Also, dont believe the full-of-poop claims that such eyes drops can be a way of giving someone explosive diarrhea. Therefore, if you do have red eyes, dont just use eye drops without first trying to figure out the cause. Its use in greater than recommended doses may cause hypertension, bradycardia, rebound hypotension, and possibly arrhythmias. You let him suffer for three days., I did impulsively put the Visine in Stevens drink, but I just did it to make him uncomfortable, Ms. Clayton said in court, referring to a common eye drop, according to The Associated Press. "Crater Lake Worker Called Visine Poisoning a 'Harmless Prank.' In an online newsletter, titled Red-Eye Drops: Poisonous to Drink, Safe If Used Correctly, it said that intentionally or accidentally drinking eye drops could lead to toxic blood levels. Students rotate through the various clinical settings on the campus, and primary care centers and specialty care centers located throughout Jacksonville. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. That's when detectives told Kurczewski about the tetrahydrozoline the . Sinoatrial node arrest following tetrahydrozoline ingestion. The victim, Rudy Trabanino of Houston, became violently ill and had to be hospitalized for several days with acute pain and a variety of serious medical problems. If you suspect someone has ingested tetrahydrozoline, do not try to make the person vomit it back up as that may actually increase their absorption of the chemical. Yet all is not well in revenge land. Swallowing this substance can result in a number of nasty effects, including: Pfizer's cautions to users of Visine include: "If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away." A North Carolina paramedic is accused of using an ingredient found in eye drops and nasal spray to cause the death of his wife in 2018.. Joshua Lee Hunsucker, 35, appeared in a Gaston County court . Woman Used Eye Drops to Kill Husband, Court Says, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/17/us/visine-eye-drop-poisoning.html. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. When consumed orally, tetrahydrozoline passes quickly through the gastrointestinal tract, rapidly reaching the blood and the central nervous system, the article said. Both options are free, expert, and confidential. King World Productions Inc. 2023 Inside Edition Inc. and CBS interactive Inc., Paramount companies. Eye drops designed to treat rednessare not intended to be consumed orally. "Severe Nausea and Vomiting with Timolol Eye Drops." The following information is helpful for emergency assistance: However, DO NOT delay calling for help if this information is not immediately available. "Woman Accused of Trying to Kill Husband." "Generally, symptoms can occur in as little as one hour, peaking at eight hours, and resolving . Several systems of the body, such as the respiratory system, digestive system, nervous system, and ENT may be affected. Clinical rotations in all the major disciplines are provided for UFCOM undergraduate medical students and elective rotations to students from other accredited schools. One of her public defenders, Bryson J. Barrowclough, said in a telephone interview on Friday that Ms. Clayton had testified that she had put only one dose in his water and then tried to kill herself. Symptoms Symptoms may include: Coma Difficulty breathing or no breathing Blurred vision Blue lips and fingernails Change in pupil size Changes in blood pressure (high at first, low later) Fast heartbeat Headache Irritability Low body temperature Nausea and vomiting Nervousness Seizures Tremors (unintentional trembling) Home Care The University of Florida Academic Health Center - the most comprehensive academic health center in the Southeast - is dedicated to high-quality programs of education, research, patient care and public service. "Airman Sentenced to Life in Prison." Many of these types of OTC products do not have child-resistant closures, so they should be stored out of the reach of children. In addition to death, ingesting tetrahydrozoline can cause "drowsiness, slow breathing or absence of breathing, slow heartbeat, hypothermia and possibly even coma." After his wife's death,. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional. Many of these types of OTC products do not have child-resistant closures, so they should be stored out of the reach of children. The College of Public Health & Health Professions (PHHP) is dedicated to providing excellent educational programs that prepare graduates to address the multifaceted health needs of populations, communities and individuals. (Photo [+] by Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket via Getty Images). North County Gazette. However, make sure that the redness is not from something more serious like a bad allergic reaction, an infection, glaucoma, or a harpoon. UF Health Neuromedicine Neuromedicine Hospital, College of Public Health & Health Professions, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Center for Health Equity & Quality Research, Find Information on Medical Conditions & Services, College of Public Health & Health Professions (PHHP), Clinical & Translational Science Institute. "Student Accused of Poison Attempt." Teenagers and adults who drink larger amounts may also experience heart rhythm abnormalities and breathing problems that can be life-threatening. Instead, loosen any tight clothing that they may be wearing, such as a belt, a necktie, skinny jeans, or a Black Widows costume. National Capital Poison Center (USA)3201 New Mexico Ave, Suite 310 Washington, DC 20016Administrative Line: (202) 362-3867Emergency Line: 1 (800) 222-1222Fax: (202) 362-8377Email: pc@poison.orgWebsite: http://www.poison.org, American Association of Poison Control Centers (USA)515 King St., Suite 510, Alexandria, VA 22314Phone: (703) 894-1858Email: info@aapcc.orgWebsite: http://www.aapcc.org, National Poisons Centre (New Zealand)Dunedin School of Medicine, University of OtagoPO Box 913 Dunedin 9054, New ZealandPhone: 0800 POISON (0800 764 766)Website: http://www.poisons.co.nz, NSW Poisons Information Centre (Australia)Hawkesbury Rd & Hainsworth Street, Westmead NSW 2145, AustraliaPhone: +61 13 11 26Email: nswpoisons@chw.edu.auWebsite: https://www.poisonsinfo.nsw.gov.au, British Columbia Drug and Poison Information Centre (Canada)Room 0063, BC Centre for Disease Control655 West 12th AvenueVancouver, BC V5Z 4R4 CanadaPhone: (604) 682-5050Toll-Free: 1 (800) 567-8911Fax: (604) 707-2807Website: http://www.capcc.ca, Poisons Information Centre (South Africa)Room 411, Institute of Child HealthRed Cross Children's HospitalKlipfontein Road, Rondebosch, 7700, Cape Town South AfricaPhone: +27 21 658 5308Fax: +27 21 650 4492Email: poisonsinformation@uct.ac.zaWebsite: https://www.afritox.co.za, National Poisons Information Service (United Kingdom)City Hospital Dudley Rd, Birmingham United Kingdom B187QHPhone: +44 844 892 0111Fax: +44 121 507 55 88Email: mail@npis.orgWebsite: http://www.npis.org, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002590.htm (accessed on 06/20/2017), https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/a?dbs+hsdb:@term+@DOCNO+7471 (accessed on 06/20/2017), https://www.drugs.com/cdi/tetrahydrozoline-eye-drops.html (accessed on 06/20/2017), https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm253338.htm (accessed on 06/20/2017). Yin S. Over-the-counter cough and cold preparations: Approach to pediatric poisoning. Reports of significant toxicity from tetrahydrozoline ingestion are unusual but have occured primarily in small children after unintentional ingestion (3-63, 6). It also figures in murder charges against Joshua Lee Hunsucker, a North Carolina paramedic accused of killing his wife, Stacy Hunsucker, 32, in 2018, allegedly for life insurance money, the state Department of Insurance said when announcing his arrest last month. Jennings reportedly admitted to the crime when she was interviewed by deputies, telling them she wanted her stepmother 'gone.'. Lowering body temperature to dangerous levels, Making breathing difficult, or even halting it entirely, Elevating and then dropping blood pressure, In 1995 an adult customer at a Whole Foods market (a retail chain of natural and organic foods) had his wheat-grass smoothie spiked with a bottle of Visine by a clerk intent upon playing a practical joke. Ranked among the top schools of pharmacy nationally, the college supports research, service and educational programs enhanced with online technologies. Swallowing this substance can result in a number of nasty effects, including: Lowering body temperature to dangerous levels To avoid mishap one probably ought to take 150% the minimum lethal dose. An addiction and pain medicine Nondiscrimination and Accessibility Notice, Changes in blood pressure (high at first, low later), The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known), ECG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing), Fluids through the vein (intravenous or IV). This is a free and confidential service. Even a small ingestion can cause clinical signs of vomiting, lethargy/depression or . [New York] Newsday. In a scene from the 2005 movie Wedding Crashers, Owen Wilsons character adds eye drops to another characters drink with the intent of causing gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call the local emergency number (such as 911), or the local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. "Grocer Settles Suit Out of Court." You could kill the person. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. , updated Los Angeles Times. A., & Brown, J. T. (2014). The movie I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell and the television series Orange Is The New Black both had scenes in which this happened. DrugFacilitated Sexual Assault Using Tetrahydrozoline. On Thursday, Lana Sue Clayton was sentenced to 25-years in prison for voluntary manslaughter. Always read the label before using any over-the-counter (OTC) product. Drinking it can (and has) caused severe depression of the central nervous system. WRIC-TV [Richmond]. It matters not if actual harm results from the attempt the act itself is enough to land one in the hoosegow. The poisonous effect made headlines when Lana Clayton, 52, wascharged for murdering her husband by adding redness-relieving eye drops to his drinking water for three days. Unintentional pediatric ophthalmic tetrahydrozoline ingestion: case files of the medical toxicology fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco. In: Burns MM, ed. Together we teach. Co-located with the Shands Jacksonville Hospital, the Jacksonville Health Science Center excels in education, research and patient care that expresses our abiding values of compassion, excellence, professionalism and innovation. The UF College of Dentistry is the only public-funded dental school in Florida and is recognized as one of the top U.S. dental schools for the quality of its educational programs, oral health research enterprise and commitment to patient care and service. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You dont want them putting even a few milliliters of the stuff into their mouths. Also in June 2006, Kristine Anzalone served her roommate, Joseph Gentissi Jr., an iced tea spiked with Visine. Pictured here are boxes of Visine, over-the-counter eye drops produced by Johnson & Johnson. Investigators have said Jennings wanted her stepmother dead because the teen told the woman she had molested a young girl, and the stepmother revealed the secret to Jennings' then-boyfriend. Are one or two dangerous? Lowry, J. Constricting blood vessels in your eyes is how they get the red out.. Products containing tetrahydrozoline can interact with many prescription drugs. A lawyer for Mr. Hunsucker, David Teddy, did not immediately return a telephone call seeking comment on Friday. But most importantly dont put Visine eye drops in someones drink. Young children who consume small amounts of tetrahydrozoline (as little as one-half of one teaspoon) can develop sleepiness and difficulty breathing. Dont say wow so often. 10 Hemlock. Products containing tetrahydrozoline can interact with many prescription drugs. They will give you further instructions. A typical bottle of eye drops contains anywhere from 15 to 30 milliliters of solution. Typically, correct use is no more than two drops in your eyes six times a day. Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible. Seek immediate medical attention.. 2020 Jan 17. While poisoning symptoms are uncommon after applying the drops to the eyes, these agents can produce significant poisoning if taken orally. 7 October 2019. Clinical Toxicology, 52(5), 454-469. Such interactions may enhance the therapeutic effects of the drug or other medications being taken, resulting in undesired side effects (such as an overdose). InTech. No, she didnt just have bad aim. But now, court documents say the 52-year-old mother of two confessed to administering the poison to him in his water over a three-day period. In exchange, prosecutors have agreed to recommend a sentence of up to four years in the Wyoming Women's Center. Size of the individual and the total dose are the most critical issues for causing harm, and so children are most at risk, said Wiley Chambers, MD, an ophthalmologist with the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research at the FDA. Frank Shull nearly died as a result, spending one month in the hospital and another month in rehab. One drop can be beneficial, one swig can be deadly: tetrahydrozoline intoxication. Ms. The health care provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. 2004 Oct;27(3):313-4. Symptoms of Imidazoline Poisoning in Dogs The amount of imidazoline your dog ingested will determine the severity of the symptoms and how quickly they manifest. York County Sheriff's Office, via Associated Press. The "Visine slipped into the drink" pay back carries additional appeal because it seems to offer an effective yet harmless form of retaliation that could be easily and furtively administered even by the wimpiest of revenge seekers. Symptoms of an overdose of tetrahydrozoline include drowsiness, slow breathing or absence of breathing, slow heartbeat, hypothermia and possibly even coma. Bongioanni, Carlos. Whileeye dropscan be dangerous if swallowed, experts say the chemical used to get the red out of your eyes is safe when used correctly. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Tips for Anxious Kids and Adults. Some individuals may have long-lasting complications if multiple organs are damaged by the drug. For additional information visit Linking to and Using Content from MedlinePlus. The UF College of Nursing continually attracts and retains the highest caliber of nursing students and faculty with a passion for science and caring. 1 July 2014. Of all the Visine poisoning cases studied by medical observers, we found none that mentioned diarrheal output brought about by the drug. Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible. Her husband, Stephen Clayton, ended up passing away after three days. Tetrahydrolozine may cause ocular burning, stinging, dryness, headache, insomnia, dizziness, tremors, palpitations, rebound erythema and congestion. Intentionally or accidentally drinking eye drops can lead to toxic blood levels. Lee BY. Tetrahydrozoline poisoning occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally swallows this product. Included in the symptoms are vomiting, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty breathing. Police say she poisoned him- with eye drops. Dont do most things that he did. General information: Symptoms of poisoning may even occur after several hours; therefore medical observation for at least 48 hours after the accident. Products like Visine contain tetrahydrozoline HCI, according to http://Healthguidance.org, and this substance is known to cause diarrhea, nausea, severe breathing difficulty, respiratory failure, tremors, blurred vision, seizures, coma and even death. Last month the American Academy of Ophthalmology used the Clayton case to point out the potential dangers in the misuse of the blood vessel constrictors. While poisoning symptoms are uncommon after applying the drops to the eyes, these agents can produce significant poisoning if taken orally. Frequent numbness, tingling or a pins-and-needles sensation, usually in the hands. In: Burns MM, ed. Cats given Tylenol die a slow and painful death as their cells . by Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket via Getty Images). Tetrahydrozoline can be absorbed through your gastrointestinal tract into your main blood circulation much more readily and then travel to your heart and central nervous system. For example, if the redness is actually blood gushing out of your eyeballs, dont just put Visine on them. Lasala, G. S., Vearrier, D., Boroughf, W. J., & Osterhoudt, K. C. (2014, August). Eventually, the 35-year-old Hunsucker was arrested on December 19, 2019, and also charged with first degree murder. That same month, an autopsy by Waukesha County Medical Examiner Linda Biedrzycki showed that Hernan had a fatal dose of tetrahydrozolinethe main ingredient in over-the-counter eye dropsin . Significance of the imidazoline receptors in toxicology. Tetryzoline, also known as tetrahydrozoline, is a derivative of imidazoline with central and peripheral alpha ()-adrenergic properties. Always read the label before using any over-the-counter (OTC) product. We report a case of unintentional . Over a three-day period in 2018, a woman in South Carolina secretly added enough eye drops to her husbands water for the active ingredient in the medicine to kill him, according to court filings and officials. Tetrahydrozoline Poisoning may be also referred to variously as the following: Note: The drug can interact with other prescribed or non-prescribed medications in the body. They include rapid heart beat, nausea,. All Rights Reserved. The Clayton case is the latest involving fatal amounts of ingested tetrahydrozoline. The signs and symptoms of Tetrahydrozoline Poisoning may include: First Aid tips for Tetrahydrozoline Poisoning: The emergency medical health professional might perform the following steps towards treating the condition: First aid for Tetrahydrozoline Poisoning is administered by healthcare professionals. Symptoms Symptoms may include: Altered mental state Coma (lack of responsiveness) Difficulty breathing or no breathing Blurred vision Blue lips and fingernails Changes in blood pressure (high at first, low later) Change in pupil size Fast or slow heartbeat Headache Irritability Low body temperature Nausea and vomiting Nervousness, tremors Seizures She admitted to doing this deliberately and surreptitiously. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. What a tangled web we weave, Judge Paul M. Burch said at the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Court hearing in York, S.C., on Thursday, according to video from WCNC. 's editorial policy editorial process and privacy policy. Yet if Visine doesn't cause diarrhea, it has done things far more terrible.
Forbes. This national hotline will let you talk to experts in poisoning. Instruction Courses and Skills Transfer Labs, Program Participant and Faculty Guidelines, LEO Continuing Education Recognition Award, What Practices Are Saying About the Registry, Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS), Subspecialty/Specialized Interest Society Directory, Subspecialty/Specialized Interest Society Meetings, Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring Campaign, Global Programs and Resources for National Societies, Red-Eye Drops: Poisonous to Drink, Safe If Used Correctly, Gotas para los ojos rojos: venenosas para beber, seguras si se usan correctamente. The throat may feel tight and hoarse. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. The signs and symptoms of Tetrahydrozoline Poisoning may include: Headaches Reduced body temperature Nausea, vomiting Diarrhea Heartburn Bleeding in the stomach, stomach pain Breathing difficulties; absence of breathing Rapid heartbeat Irritability and increased nervousness Vision abnormalities including blurred vision; dilated pupils All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. In general, be careful about using such eye drops, even if they go where they are supposed to go. 16th ed. Contact Poison Control right away if you suspect a poisoning. You can thank tetrahydrozoline for helping do this. Symptoms of an overdose include drowsiness, slow breathing or absence of breathing, slow heartbeat, hypothermia and possibly even coma, it said. One thing tetrahydrozoline has not been known to do is to cause sudden onset bouts of severe diarrhea. Stars and Stripes. Aronson JK. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call the local emergency number (such as 911), or the local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. Imidazolines (like oxymetazoline and tetrahydrozoline) are commonly found in over-the-counter eye drops and nasal sprays. Eye drops like Visine, Murine Plus,and Clarine are marketed as ways for you to get the red out of your eyes. In general, dont use The Wedding Crashers as a model for your behavior. Tetrahydrozoline poisoning occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally swallows this product. Paksu, M. S., Paksu, S., Akkus, T., & Baysal, K. (2012).
", In June 2009, Denise Moyer of Wells, Vermont, was arrested for third degree assault after police confirmed she'd spiked a. Tetra-hi what? He was found dead in the homeon July 21. This article is for information only. Tetrahydrolozine may cause ocular burning, stinging, dryness, headache, insomnia, dizziness, tremors, palpitations, rebound erythema and congestion. She had suffered from PTSD attributed to domestic abuse, he said. "Chills, sweats, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. They said they are "shocked and mortified by the cause of Steven's death All our family and friends know how much he loved his wife and how devoted he was to her. An act of spite that forces the victim into making repeated visits to the john is regarded as not only extremely inconveniencing to him, but degrading as well. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. UF Health scientist lands first-ever NIH grant for a rare disorder devastating UF Health joins national effort to improve patient outcomes. Eyedrops and nasal decongestant sprays often contain ingredients intended to reduce eye redness and nasal stuffiness.