Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

JUROX ATROPINE EYE OINTMENT

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

As an aid in the treatment of ocular conditions in dogs, cats and horses.

SYNONYMS

"treatment for ocular conditions"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

May cause SENSITIZATION by skin contact.
Toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.
Harmful to aquatic organisms.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Toxic effects may result from the accidental ingestion of the material; animal experiments indicate that ingestion of less than 40 gram may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the individual.  Anticholinergics can cause loss of vision. Effects associated with their use include increased heart rate, decreased saliva production and other secretions and reduction in bowel movements. Adverse effects include dry mouth, difficulty swallowing and speaking, thirst, dilated pupils, loss of focus, sensitivity to light, skin flushing and dryness, a temporary slowing of heart rate followed by rapid heart rate with palpitations and irregularities in rhythm. There may be vomiting, pain in the chest and dizziness. Toxicity due to overdose may result in rapid breathing, high fever, restlessness, confusion, excitement, paranoia, psychosis, hallucinations, delirium, seizures and convulsions. A rash may occur on the face or upper trunk. Severe intoxication can depress the central nervous system, causing inco-ordination, drowsiness, stupor, unconsciousness, coma, stoppage of circulation and breathing, and death.  Quaternary ammonium anticholinergic agents, in high doses, can cause postural hypotension and impotence. Paralysis may occur at very high doses.  

EYE

  There is some evidence that material may produce eye irritation in some persons and produce eye damage 24 hours or more after instillation. Moderate inflammation may be expected with redness; conjunctivitis may occur with prolonged exposure.  Anticholinergic eye drops can cause stinging, dryness, redness, itch, dilated pupils, and loss of focus with blurred vision. Pupil Reflexes may be lost or diminished for 3 days.  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may produce toxic effects; systemic effectsmay result following absorption.  There is some evidence to suggest that the material may cause mild but significant inflammation of the skin either following direct contact or after a delay of some time. Repeated exposure can cause contact dermatitis which is characterized by redness, swelling and blistering.  Entry into the blood-stream, through, for example, cuts, abrasions or lesions, may produce systemic injury with harmful effects. Examine the skin prior to the use of the material and ensure that any external damage is suitably protected.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce either adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract following inhalation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, adverse effects have been produced following exposure of animals by at least one other route and good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  Not normally a hazard due to non-volatile nature of product.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  There is limited evidence that, skin contact with this product is more likely to cause a sensitization reaction in some persons compared to the general population.  Prolonged exposure to anticholinergic agents may irritate the eyes, causing allergic lid reactions, conjunctivitis, swelling, excess blood flow to the eyes, and sensitivity to light. Increase in eye pressure may lead to closed angle glaucoma. There may be hypersensitivity shown by conjunctivitis, rash and eczema. Anticholinergics can also cause chronic constipation with blockage of the intestine by feces.  Oil may contact the skin or be inhaled. Extended exposure can lead to eczema, inflammation of hair follicles, pigmentation of the face and warts on the soles of the feet. There are few systemic effects, but prolonged exposure may lead to a higher incidence of lung scarring.  Sensitization may result in allergic dermatitis responses includingrash, itching, hives or swelling of extremities.