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The local vasoconstriction of infant’s skin following instillation of mydriatic eye drops

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Abstract

Background

Systemic absorption of eye drops is known to occur via the nasal mucosa, cornea, and conjunctiva. Diffusion of eye drops through the skin is previously unrecognized. Here, two cases are presented in which we observed skin pallor around the eyes after instillation of phenylephrine 2.5% drops. Case 1 A 32-week gestational age premature infant had mydriatic eye drops instilled as part of retinopathy of prematurity screening. Case 2 A term newborn dysmorphic infant underwent fundus examination to rule out ocular pathology. In both cases, discoloration of periorbital skin was observed 45 min following administration of drops.

Conclusion

The risks of percutaneous toxicity must always be considered in children, especially in premature neonates, in whom the epidermal permeability barrier is frequently incompetent. Application of smaller drop size or wiping of overflowed drop from the skin may be useful to decrease the risk of systemic side effects.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Opthalmology, School of Medicine, Zonguldak Karaelmas University, Kozlu, Zonguldak, Turkey

    Atilla Alpay, Sılay C. Ugurbas & Haci Murat Sagdik

  2. Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Zonguldak Karaelmas University, Kozlu, Zonguldak, Turkey

    Bahri Ermis & Fatih Battal

  3. Zonguldak Karaelmas Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Göz Hastalıkları Anabilim Dalı, Kozlu, 67600, Zonguldak, Turkey

    Atilla Alpay

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  1. Atilla Alpay
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  2. Bahri Ermis
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Correspondence to Atilla Alpay.

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Alpay, A., Ermis, B., Ugurbas, S.C. et al. The local vasoconstriction of infant’s skin following instillation of mydriatic eye drops. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 66, 1161–1164 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00228-010-0890-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00228-010-0890-6

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