ABSTRACT

Cyclopentolate is a frequently used topical mydriatic and cycloplegic drug by ophthalmologists for diagnosing and preoperatively evaluating the patients. We aimed to report a case of delirium due to high dose cyclopentolate application for an ophthalmologic examination. Cyclopentolate drops were used in a 6 years old male patient without any co-existing disease for an examination at the ophthalmology polyclinic. However, it was applied 3-three times as 3 drops with 15 minutes intervals on his two eyes by his mother. After the application he experienced nonsensical speech, mydriasis, and mouth dryness appeared and he was evaluated as having anticholinergic syndrome in the emergency department. For this reason, he was admitted to the intensive care unit, and dilated pupils and a negative pupillary light reflex were detected. Systemic physical examination resulte were evaluated as normal. There was an increase in the speech rate and motor activity, and distractibility and visual hallucinations were present. He was oxygenated by using a face mask. An improvement was seen at his speech and behavioral functions after 3 hours. And he was discharged after 5 hours with remission. We aimed to emphasize that cyclopentolate might be applied carefully by health care providers tofor the prevention of intoxication because of the serious systemic adverse effects which can cause intoxication.

Keywords: Cyclopentolate, intoxication, delirium, overdose