Temporary Central Vision Blindness After Oseltamivir Administration in a 15-Year-Old Pediatric Male Positive for Influenza A

Hosp Pharm. 2021 Dec;56(6):678-680. doi: 10.1177/0018578720942225. Epub 2020 Jul 13.

Abstract

Objective: A 15-year-old pediatric male patient was influenza A positive and started on oseltamivir at an outpatient clinic. Method: The next morning the patient presented to the emergency department (ED) with a chief complaint of visual disturbances including decreased central vision. Prior to presenting to the ED the patient was evaluated by his optometrist and his eye exam tested 20/400 bilaterally. His previous year's eye exam was normal, 20/25 bilaterally. Results: In the ED, the patient had an MRI which showed a normal appearing optic nerve, chiasm, and optic tracts. The oseltamivir therapy was discontinued, and the patient followed up with an ophthalmologist outpatient. Conclusion: At a 10-week follow-up visit the patient had 90% recovery of his vision.

Keywords: adverse drug reactions; anti-infectives; disease management; ear; eye; infectious diseases; medication safety; nose; throat.