Most people consider over-the-counter eye drops to be safe. When used correctly by an adult, they are, but in the hands of a young child, they can be dangerously harmful.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that when in the hands of children, ingestion of redness eye drops, or nasal decongestant sprays can cause serious harm. The FDA reviewed 96 cases of accidental ingestion between 1985 and 2012, by children between 1 month and 5 years and found that resulting events included decreased respiration, decreased heart rate, sedation, nausea, vomiting, mydriasis, lethargy, hypothermia, and even coma. Fifty-three cases were hospitalized.
Active ingredients including tetrahydrozoline, naphazoline, and oxymetazoline which are included in a variety of brand name products produced serious symptoms when ingested in the reports. A very small amount of these medication can cause significant symptoms. Tetrahydrozoline is the ingredient that gets the red out in eye drops, oxymetazoline is the ingredient in Afrin nasal spray, and naphazoline is an antihistamine in various topical ocular allergy products, such as Naphcon-A and Opcon-A.
The U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission proposed a rule requiring redness-relief eye drops and nasal decongestant sprays to have child-resistant packaging. The rule is not in effect, requiring care takers to take additional steps to prevent kids from getting their hand on these products.
Take these additional measures to keep your kids safe from these harmful chemicals:
- Keep medicines in their original packaging.
- Store potentially hazardous substances out of sight and reach.
- Keep the national Position Help Line number 800-222-1222 in mind in case of emergency.
- Avoid taking medicine in front of children.
- When products are being used, never let young children out of your sight