A mother from Swansea has issued a warning to other parents after her son nearly died from an allergic reaction to eyedrops. Katelyn Clement rushed her five-year-old son, Milo Nicholson, to the hospital when he licked a droplet of antibacterial eye drops that had rolled down his cheek. The incident occurred when Katelyn was administering the second dose of eye drops to Milo, and within minutes, he started coughing uncontrollably and struggled to breathe. Doctors later revealed that Milo had suffered a severe allergic reaction to the eye drops.
Katelyn recalled the terrifying moment when Milo became delirious and struggled to stay conscious due to his swollen throat. After conducting research on the Optrex eye drops, Katelyn discovered that the product contained chloramphenicol, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. The NHS advises seeking emergency treatment if chloramphenicol ointment or drops are swallowed. Although the Optrex packaging includes warnings about potential allergic reactions, Milo’s reaction was severe and unexpected.
Following the incident, Katelyn shared her concerns on social media, urging parents to be cautious when using similar products. She expressed disbelief that a prescribed medication for children could contain such a dangerous ingredient. Katelyn emphasised that if the incident had involved a newborn, the outcome could have been fatal. She called for Optrex to reconsider using chloramphenicol in their products to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
A spokesperson from Reckitt, the manufacturer of Optrex, expressed regret over the incident and highlighted the importance of following usage instructions and warnings on their products. They reassured consumers that their products undergo thorough testing, but allergic reactions can still occur. The company encouraged concerned parents to reach out with any questions or worries regarding their products. Katelyn emphasized the need for vigilance when using medications, especially with children, to avoid potentially life-threatening situations.
Milo was treated with antihistamines at the hospital and eventually allowed to return home. Katelyn’s vigilance and quick action likely saved her son’s life, underscoring the importance of being aware of potential allergens in household products. The harrowing experience serves as a reminder of the hidden dangers that can be present in seemingly harmless medications. Katelyn’s advocacy for increased awareness and safety measures around children’s medications echoes the sentiments of many parents who share her concerns. The incident involving Milo serves as a cautionary tale for parents everywhere, prompting them to scrutinize the ingredients of products they use on their children.