Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault With Tetrahydrozoline (Visine): A Case Report : Journal of Forensic Nursing

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Case Report

Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault With Tetrahydrozoline (Visine)

A Case Report

Edwards, Carrie Nelms PhD, RN, CA-CP SANE, SANE-A, SANE-P, AFN-BC1; Tilley, Donna Scott PhD, RN, CA-CP SANE, FAAN2; Ayala, Francisco DNP, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CCRN2

Author Information

Author Affiliations:1School of Nursing, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

2College of Nursing, Texas Woman's University.

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Correspondence: Donna Scott Tilley, PhD, RN, CA-CP SANE, FAAN, Texas Woman's University College of Nursing, P.O. Box 425498, Denton, TX 76204. E-mail: [email protected]

Received February 7, 2023; accepted for publication April 13, 2023.

Journal of Forensic Nursing ():10.1097/JFN.0000000000000445, June 6, 2023. | DOI: 10.1097/JFN.0000000000000445

Abstract

This is a case presentation of an 18-year-old male victim who experienced a drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA). The drug used to incapacitate him was tetrahydrozoline (Visine) given rectally. Tetrahydrozoline, intended for ophthalmic administration, is in the class of drugs known as imidazoline receptor agonists and has been used as an agent for DFSA since the 1940s. DFSA is increasing, particularly among young men. Care of victims of DFSA is discussed with particular attention to mental health sequelae in this patient population.

Copyright © 2023 International Association of Forensic Nurses

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