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

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 September 2009

Marianna Fabi ,
Roberto Formigari  and
Fernando M. Picchio
Marianna Fabi*
Affiliation:
Pediatric Cardiology and Adult Congenital Unit, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Roberto Formigari
Affiliation:
Pediatric Cardiology and Adult Congenital Unit, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Fernando M. Picchio
Affiliation:
Pediatric Cardiology and Adult Congenital Unit, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
*
Correspondence to: Dr Marianna Fabi, Pediatric Cardiology and Adult Congenital Unit, University of Bologna, Ospedale S. Orsola Malpghi, via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna (BO), Italy. Tel: +39 051348829, +39 3338351572; Fax: +39 0516363435; E-mail: marianna.fabi@libero.it
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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.

Keywords

Imidazoline derivatesside effectchildren
Type
Brief Reports
Information
Cardiology in the Young , Volume 19 , Issue 6 , December 2009 , pp. 633 - 634
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009

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References

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