Mydriatic eye drops used to prepare the eye for an ophthalmological examination are sometimes misused in children, causing serious and sometimes fatal adverse effects, the medicines agency (Ansm) warned on Wednesday.
These eye drops allow the pupil to dilate and force the accommodation of the eye to rest.
“Serious, sometimes fatal side effects”
Misadministered, these eye drops can pass into the bloodstream and reach the digestive, cardiovascular and/or central nervous system, particularly in very young children (newborns, infants and premature babies), stresses the Ansm.
However, “serious, sometimes fatal, adverse effects associated with misuse in children” are regularly reported.
“Respect the contraindications specified in the instructions”
To avoid undesirable effects and prevent the risk of overdose, “it is essential to respect the contraindications specified in the instructions”, the forms of administration of the eye drops and the maximum doses, advises the ANSM.
After the administration of eye drops, it is also recommended to press “into the inner corner of the child’s eye for 1 to 2 minutes” and wipe the child’s cheek “to avoid any ingestion or absorption by contact with the skin and thus limit the passage of the product into the bloodstream.
In case of an undesirable effect, it is recommended to consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Source: BFM TV
