Are nasal decongestants safer than rhinitis? A case of oxymetazoline-induced syncope

Cardiol Young. 2009 Dec;19(6):633-4. doi: 10.1017/S1047951109990722. Epub 2009 Sep 23.

Abstract

Derivatives of Imidazoline usually act to stimulate peripheral alpha2 receptors causing vasoconstriction. In young children, however, they can also stimulate alpha2receptors in the cardiovascular and central nervous systems, possibly causing cardiovascular, neurological, and respiratory depression. These medications do not require medical prescriptions, so often parents use them, bypassing paediatricians. We report here a case of cardiovascular and neurological depression induced by oxymetalzoline in a toddler.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bradycardia / chemically induced
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Echocardiography
  • Electrocardiography
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Nasal Decongestants / adverse effects*
  • Oxymetazoline / adverse effects*
  • Rhinitis / drug therapy
  • Syncope / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Nasal Decongestants
  • Oxymetazoline