derivative of imidazoline. It has two enantiomers. Society and culture Names Tetryzoline is the INN. Urban legend An urban legend suggests that tetryzoline can cause violent diarrhea if given orally, such as by putting a few drops of Visine in an unsuspecting person's beverage. However, the actual results of the prank may be worse, varying from severe nausea and vomiting to seizures or a coma. Larger doses can cause death. Diarrhea is not a side effect. Criminal use In late August 2018, a South Carolina woman was charged with murdering her husband by putting eye drops containing tetryzoline in his drinking water. An autopsy found high concentrations of tetryzoline in his body. Tetryzoline has been used as a date rape drug in a number of cases due to its ability to cause dizziness and unconsciousness. In 2018 an elderly woman in Pewaukee, Wisconsin died in an apparent overdose or suicide, however in June 2021 police charged her caregiver with murder, alleging that the death was caused by a water bottle laced with Visine. In 2019, a North Carolina paramedic was accused of using Tetryzoline eye drops to cause the death of his wife. The blood sample results showed about 30 - 40 times higher than the therapeutic level of Tetryzoline. References Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonists Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists Imidazolines Tetralins Topical decongestants Vasoconstrictors