Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Spanish version

CALL THE POISON CONTROL CENTER (OR YOUR PHYSICIAN'S OFFICE) IMMEDIATELY

Call immediately any time you think your child has swallowed a poison. Do not induce vomiting until you are certain it is necessary and safe. Vomiting of some substances (such as acids) is harmful. Also, vomiting more than 1 hour after swallowing most poisonous substances is not helpful.

Be prepared to answer the following questions:

• What was swallowed?
• How much was swallowed? (estimate the maximal amount)
• When was it swallowed?
• Does your child have any symptoms? (for example coma or convulsions)

ACIDS, ALKALIS, OR PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

1. Description

   Acidic and alkaline substances and petroleum products include toilet bowl cleaners, drain cleaners, lye, automatic dishwasher detergent, Clinitest tablets, ammonia, bleaches, kerosene, gasoline, benzene, furniture polish, and lighter fluid. If these agents are vomited, additional damage to the esophagus or lungs can occur.

2. FIRST AID for acids, alkalis, or petroleum products

   Do not induce vomiting. Give your child 1 to 2 glasses of milk (or water) to drink to wash out the esophagus. Keep your child sitting or standing to protect the esophagus. Do not let him lie down. Your physician will decide where to see you. Bring the container the poison was in with you.

DRUGS, CHEMICALS, AND PLANTS

1. Description

   Most prescription drugs, chemicals, and many plants are poisonous substances. The most dangerous drugs (in overdoses) are barbiturates, clonidine, digitalis products, narcotics, Lomotil, Darvon, Tofranil, and other tricyclic antidepressants. Some dangerous nonprescription medicines are iron and aspirin.

   See also Poisonous Plants.

2. FIRST AID for drugs, chemicals, and plants

   Induce vomiting if a physician says it is OK. The best way to cause vomiting is with syrup of ipecac. Give 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons) to children 1 to 6 years old. Give 2 tablespoons to children over 6 years old. For infants 6 to 12 months old, give 2 teaspoons (10 ml). Also give your child about 6 ounces or more of water or other clear fluid. Keep your child walking about to make the ipecac work faster. If your child hasn't vomited in 20 minutes, gagging with a spoon may help. If not, give a second tablespoon of ipecac.

   If you do not have ipecac at home, rush your child to a pharmacy and give it there. If no pharmacy is within 30 minutes of your home, give your child 2 tablespoons of a liquid dishwashing soap (for example, Joy, Ivory, or Palmolive). It can induce vomiting almost as well as ipecac. CAUTION: Never use soaps intended for automatic clotheswashers or dishwashers.

   If you can get someone else to drive, take a large mixing bowl and induce vomiting in the car while you drive to the nearest emergency room or your physician's office. Bring the poison with you.

PROBABLY HARMLESS SUBSTANCES

Fortunately, most children will swallow nonedible substances that do not produce any serious symptoms. In these cases it is not necessary to induce vomiting. Some examples of nontoxic substances are candles, chalk, crayons, ballpoint pens, felt tip pens, lead pencils (the "lead" is actually graphite), cosmetics (except hair dye or nail polish remover), dog or cat food, deodorants, detergents, soaps, dirt, greases, oils, hair sprays, hand lotions, 3% hydrogen peroxide, lipstick, perfumes, petroleum jelly, rouge, shampoos, shaving cream and suntan lotions. Some harmless drugs are birth control pills, antacids, laxatives, stool softeners, and vitamins (unless iron is present). Call your physician's office to make sure that what your child swallowed is in fact harmless.

PREVENTION OF POISONING

• Keep the number for your local poison information center by your phone.
• Keep some syrup of ipecac in your home. (Check the expiration date on the bottle and replace it by the time this date is reached. It loses effectiveness when it is too old.)
• Remember to keep drugs and chemicals locked up (or securely out of reach). Think carefully about where you keep drain cleaners, furniture polish, drugs, and insecticides since these are the most dangerous poisons. Never store poisons in ordinary containers, such as jars or soft drink bottles. Remember that alcoholic beverages are also poisonous to children.
• Whenever you or your child are prescribed a new drug, remember to keep safety caps on the drug containers and to give the correct dosage. Do not leave drugs in purses or on countertops.