Sodium bisulfate

Home treatment:

If the chemical was swallowed: DO NOT INDUCE EMESIS. Give water or milk as soon as possible to dilute the acid. If the patient is vomiting, keep administering fluids (water or milk). It is very important to dilute the acid so that it does minimal damage to the tissues.

If skin contact is involved: Wash the area thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes. Remove any clothes containing the acid, washing the area beneath the clothes.

Before calling emergency:

Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
• the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
• the time it was swallowed
• the amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number:

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room:

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• Dilute the acid.
• Give milk of magnesia (if the acid was swallowed).
• Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

Damage to the esophagus may occur as late as 2 to 3 weeks after ingestion. Death may occur up to 1 month after ingestion. Those who recover will likely suffer from constrictions in the pyloric region of the stomach or in the esophagus.