Poisoning

When should I call the Poison Center?

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?
• When was it swallowed?
• Does your child have any symptoms?

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

Acidic and alkaline substances and petroleum products include toilet bowl cleaners, oven cleaners, drain cleaners, lye, automatic dishwasher detergent, and Clinitest tablets. They also include ammonia, bleaches, kerosene, gasoline, benzene, furniture polish, and lighter fluid. If your child vomits after swallowing these, more damage to the esophagus or lungs can occur.

• First Aid

  Do not try to make your child throw up. Give your child 2 or 3 ounces of water (or milk) to drink to wash out the esophagus. Do not give your child too much fluid or it could cause your child to vomit. Keep your child sitting or standing to protect the esophagus. 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 medicines are a problem if taken as an overdose. Chemicals and many plants are also poisonous. 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 make your child throw up. Do not use syrup of ipecac for poisonings. If you have any ipecac in your home, get rid of it by flushing it down the toilet.

What are some harmless substances?

Fortunately, many children will swallow nonedible substances that do not cause any serious problems. Some examples of nontoxic substances are:

• candles
• chalk, crayons, ballpoint pens, felt tip pens, or pencils (the "lead" is actually graphite)
• hair sprays, hand lotions, or perfumes
• dog/cat food or cat litter
• deodorants, detergents, toothpaste, or hand soaps
• dirt
• silica granules
• petroleum jelly, shampoos, shaving cream, or suntan lotions.

Call your healthcare provider to make sure that what your child swallowed is harmless.

Written by B.D. Schmitt, MD, author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
Published by RelayHealth.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.