Ink, writing

Home treatment:

Large amounts of writing ink must be consumed (more than an ounce) before treatment is necessary. Call Poison Control for further guidance. The standard procedure is to induce emesis (vomiting) unless the patient is unconscious or experiencing convulsions.

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 person 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.
• Administer activated charcoal.
• Draw blood to determine the serum iron levels.
• Give castor oil.
• Give a cathartic (bowel evacuator).
• Use gastric lavage.

Expectations (prognosis):

Survival past 48 hours usually indicates recovery will occur however, death may occur even a week after ingestion of the ink.