Citation

Higgins GL, Campbell B, Wallace K, Talbot S. Ann. Emerg. Med. 1991; 20(6): 655-658.

Affiliation

Department of Emergency Medicine, Maine Medical Center, Portland 04102.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, American College of Emergency Physicians, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

2039105

Abstract

We present two instructive cases of imidazoline poisoning in young children. Imidazoline decongestants, readily available in numerous non-prescription preparations, can rapidly produce toxicity from oral ingestion and topical application. Signs and symptoms depend on whether peripheral or central alpha 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.