Mineral spirits

Home treatment:

Call Poison Control. DO NOT INDUCE EMESIS (VOMITING) UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO. If the person is conscious, give a small amount of fluid (milk or water) to stop local irritation and burning of the mouth and throat.

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 gastric lavage.
• Administer activated charcoal.
• Administer a laxative.
• Induce emesis (must be done very carefully so the patient will not inhale any of the oil). This is best left to the medical personnel at an emergency room.
• Give fluids, with the amount being determined by kidney function.
• Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

Survival past 48 hours is usually a good sign that recovery will occur. If any damage to the kidneys or lungs has occurred, it may take several months to heal.