Toxicity to pets

Imidazoline decongestants are topical vasoconstrictors (constricts blood vessels). Imidazolines (like oxymetazoline and tetrahydrozoline) are commonly found in over-the-counter eye drops and nasal sprays. When a bottle of product containing imidazolines is chewed, it can result in severe poisoning in pets – even death, when untreated. Even a small ingestion can cause clinical signs of vomiting, lethargy/depression or agitation, ataxia (incoordination), hypotension, and a life-threatening low heart rate. Immediate veterinary attention should be sought following ingestion. Please contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline® for life-saving advice if your pet has ingested one of these common eye drops or nasal sprays.

Common signs to watch for:

• Vomiting
• Lethargy or depression
• Agitation
• Incoordination
• low blood pressure
• Life-threatening low heart rate