Dilantin 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, 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
- if the medication was prescribed for the patient
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: - Maintain the patient's airway.
- Maintain breathing.
- Induce vomiting if the patient is conscious.
- Administer activated charcoal.
- Use gastric lavage.
- Observe the patient closely.
- Treat the symptoms.
- Use dialysis (possibly).
Expectations (prognosis):
Mild overdose: - If the patient can be aroused, no treatment is necessary.
Moderate overdose: - If unable to arouse patient but vital functions are normal, - recovery is usually within 24 to 48 hours with proper treatment.
Severe overdose: - If unable to arouse the patient and vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure) are abnormal, a - 3 to 5 day period may be required before the patient recovers consciousness. The fatality rate is less than 5% with proper - treatment.
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