An Iowa woman has been arrested for allegedly attempting to poison her husband by putting eye drops in his drink on two separate occasions in July 2023. Daisy Zantjer, 39, from Pleasantville, Iowa, faces charges of administering harmful substances and domestic abuse, according to a local NBC affiliate WHO-13.
The Pleasantville Police Department was alerted to the alleged poisoning by Zantjer’s husband, leading to an investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the local police department. This investigation culminated in Zantjer’s arrest on July 30, according to a press release.
The victim, who is alive, was hospitalized for symptoms that included breathing difficulties, KCCI reported. A hearing for Zantjer has been scheduled for August 8. The eye drops allegedly used in the poisoning contained tetrahydrozoline, an active ingredient commonly found in products designed to relieve eye redness.
According to WebMD, tetrahydrozoline works by “temporarily narrowing the blood vessels in the eye.” The medication is intended for short-term use, typically no longer than three to four days, and should be kept out of reach of children and pets.
When ingested, tetrahydrozoline can cause serious health issues. Poison Control states that ingestion can lead to symptoms such as sleepiness, low blood pressure, and a “dangerously slow heart rate.” Teenagers and adults consuming large amounts of the drug can experience life-threatening symptoms. This case highlights the potential dangers of misusing everyday medications, underscoring the importance of using them strictly as directed and keeping them secure from unauthorized use.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.