Thimerosal overdose

Home treatment:

Thimerosal is poorly absorbed from the intestinal tract and therefore a serious poisoning is not very likely. Before inducing emesis (vomiting), contact Poison Control for verification.

If instructed to induce emesis, standard procedure is as follows:

Give the usual dose of ipecac syrup: 15 milliliters (ml) or 1 TABLEspoonful for children and 30 ml (2 TABLEspoonsful) for adults. Follow with 1/2 glassful or 4 ounces (oz.) of water for children or 8 to 12 oz. of water for adults. Repeat 1 more time in 1/2 hour if emesis has not occurred.

Before calling emergency:

Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
• the name of the product (as well as the ingredients and strength 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. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. 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:

• Use gastric lavage.
• Induce emesis.
• Administer activated charcoal.
• Administer a cathartic (a medication used to evacuate the bowels).
• Administer an antidote .
• Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

Since a serious poisoning is unlikely, recovery is very likely.