Poisoning

When should I call the Poison Center (or my health care provider)?

Call IMMEDIATELY any time you think your child has swallowed a poison.

Be prepared to answer the following questions:

• What was swallowed?
• How much was swallowed? (estimate the maximal amount)
• When was it swallowed?
• Does your child have any symptoms? (for example coma or convulsions)

What if acids, alkalis, or petroleum products are swallowed?

Acidic and alkaline substances and petroleum products include toilet bowl cleaners, drain cleaners, lye, automatic dishwasher detergent, Clinitest tablets, ammonia, bleaches, kerosene, gasoline, benzene, furniture polish, and lighter fluid. If these agents are vomited, additional damage to the esophagus or lungs can occur.

• First Aid

  Do not induce vomiting. Give your child 2 or 3 ounces of water (or milk) to drink to wash out the esophagus. Keep your child sitting or standing to protect the esophagus. Do not give your child too much fluid or it could cause your child to vomit. Do not let him lie down. Go to the nearest emergency room. Bring the container the poison was in with you.

What if drugs, chemicals, or plants are swallowed?

Most prescription drugs, chemicals, and many plants are poisonous substances. The most dangerous drugs (in overdoses) are barbiturates, clonidine, digitalis products, narcotics, Lomotil, Darvon, Tofranil, and other tricyclic antidepressants. Some dangerous nonprescription medicines are iron and aspirin.

• First Aid

  The National Poison Center hotline number is 1-800-222-1222. This number will automatically connect you with your local poison center. Do not induce vomiting. Syrup of ipecac is no longer used for poisonings. If you have any ipecac in your home, dispose of it by flushing it down the toilet.

What are some harmless substances?

Fortunately, most children will swallow nonedible substances that do not produce any serious symptoms. In these cases it is not necessary to induce vomiting. Some examples of nontoxic substances are candles, chalk, crayons, ballpoint pens, felt tip pens, lead pencils (the "lead" is actually graphite), cosmetics (except hair dye or nail polish remover), dog or cat food, deodorants, detergents, soaps, dirt, greases, oils, hair sprays, hand lotions, 3% hydrogen peroxide, lipstick, perfumes, petroleum jelly, rouge, shampoos, shaving cream and suntan lotions. Some harmless drugs are birth control pills, antacids, laxatives, stool softeners, and vitamins (unless iron is present). Call your physician's office to make sure that what your child swallowed is in fact harmless.