Clinitest tablets overdose

Home treatment:

Dilute the poison by giving water immediately. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING; it will probably occur on its own. Call Poison Control as soon as possible.

If instructed to induce emesis, the 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 an adult. Follow with 1/2 glass 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 (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.

• Use a scope in the throat and stomach to assess the damage and to irrigate the area to neutralize the effects of the poison.
• Give fluids, probably by mouth.
• Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

The prognosis (probable outcome) depends on how rapidly the alkali was diluted and neutralized. About 1/4 of those ingest similar-type poisons die. The esophagus and stomach may experience progressive damage occurring over a period of up to 3 weeks. Extensive damage to the mouth, throat, and stomach are possible. The ultimate outcome depends on the extent of this damage. Even after recovery occurs, the patient may have life-long problems with swallowing from damage done to the esophagus. Death may occur up to a month after ingestion of the poison from complications.