Calcium carbonate overdose

Home treatment:

The standard procedure is to induce emesis (vomiting) unless the patient is unconscious or experiencing convulsions. Before inducing emesis, contact Poison Control for verification.

If instructed to induce emesis, proceed as follows or as otherwise instructed:

Give the usual dose of ipecac syrup: 15 ml (1 TABLEspoonful) for children and 30 ml (2 TABLEspoonsful) for an adult. Follow with 1/2 glass (4 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 (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. 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:

• Induce emesis.
• Use gastric lavage.
• Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

Calcium carbonate is considered a fairly nontoxic substance, so recovery is quite likely. Chronic overuse is more serious than acute (1 time) overdose.