A five-year-old boy named Milo Nicholson suffered a severe allergic reaction after a drop of Optrex antibacterial eye drops rolled down his cheek and into his mouth. His mother, Katelyn Clement, was administering the second dose of the prescribed eye drops when the incident occurred. Within minutes, Milo began coughing uncontrollably and complained of something stuck in his throat. His condition rapidly deteriorated, with the coughing leading to vomiting and difficulty breathing. Concerned by his worsening symptoms, which included paleness, lethargy, and weakness, Katelyn rushed him to the hospital. Doctors at the hospital diagnosed Milo with a severe allergic reaction, attributing his swollen throat and closing airways to the eye drops. They administered a strong dose of antihistamine, and thankfully, Milo recovered enough to be discharged.
Katelyn was deeply disturbed by the incident and subsequently investigated the ingredients of the Optrex eye drops. She was alarmed to discover that the product contained chloramphenicol, an antibiotic known to cause allergic reactions in some individuals. The NHS website explicitly advises seeking emergency treatment if a child ingests chloramphenicol ointment or drops. While Optrex includes warnings about potential allergic reactions on its packaging, Katelyn believes the company should revise its formula to prevent similar incidents. She expressed her fear that a similar reaction in a newborn could be fatal.
Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic primarily used to treat bacterial infections, particularly in the eyes and ears. While generally safe, it carries a risk of side effects, ranging from mild stinging and irritation to rare but serious complications like aplastic anemia and anaphylaxis. Common side effects affect more than one in 100 people and include stinging or burning in the eye, as well as mild itching and irritation. Serious side effects, though rare (occurring in less than one in 1,000 people), can include increased bruising, susceptibility to infections, and persistent fatigue. These symptoms may indicate aplastic anemia, a condition where the bone marrow stops producing blood cells normally. Although the risk of aplastic anemia is low with eye drops or ointments containing chloramphenicol, it is more significant when the antibiotic is administered intravenously.
The most severe allergic reaction to chloramphenicol is anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention. Signs of anaphylaxis include sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue; difficulty breathing, including wheezing and gasping; tightness in the throat and difficulty swallowing; blueish discoloration of the skin, lips, and tongue; sudden confusion, drowsiness, or dizziness; and loss of consciousness. A swollen, itchy rash with blisters or peeling skin can also accompany anaphylaxis. In children, limpness, unresponsiveness, and difficulty lifting or controlling their head are also warning signs.
Katelyn recounted the frightening experience at the hospital, describing Milo as delirious, slipping in and out of consciousness. She expressed her relief that the situation wasn’t more catastrophic and emphasized the harrowing nature of the ordeal. The doctors at the hospital confirmed that they had never encountered such a severe reaction to eye drops before, reinforcing the unusual nature of Milo’s case.
Reckitt, the manufacturer of Optrex, responded to the incident with an expression of regret and emphasized their commitment to consumer safety. They explained that their products are thoroughly tested and should be used according to the provided instructions, including heeding all warnings. They acknowledged the possibility of allergic reactions with any medication and stressed the importance of following usage instructions. Reckitt invited Katelyn and other concerned parents to contact them directly with any questions or concerns. This response highlights the company’s awareness of potential allergic reactions and their willingness to engage with consumers about product safety. However, Katelyn’s call for a review of the product’s ingredients remains unaddressed. The incident underscores the importance of parental vigilance when administering medications to children and the necessity of being aware of potential allergic reactions, even with commonly used products like eye drops. It also raises questions about the use of chloramphenicol in over-the-counter medications for children, given the potential for severe, albeit rare, reactions.
