Causes and Risks:

• chlordiazepoxide

Where Found:

• Librium
• Librax
• Limbitrol

Symptoms:

• body as a whole
  • weakness
  • tremor
  • convulsions
  • muscle contractions of the face and neck
  • incoordination
• respiratory
  • labored breathing
• eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • blurred vision
  • dilated pupils
  • involuntary oscillation of the eye (rapid side-to-side movement)
• skin
  • rash
  • bluish skin (lips and fingernails)
• gastrointestinal
  • upset stomach (abdominal pain)
• nervous system
  • drowsiness
  • depression
  • stupor
  • coma
  • dizziness
  • confusion
  • anxiety
  • memory loss

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, 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 adults. Follow with 1/2 glassful or 4 ounces (oz.) of water for children or 8-12 oz. of water for adults. Repeat one 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 product (ingredients and strengths if known)
• the time it was swallowed
• the amount swallowed
• if the medication was prescribed for the patient

Call Poison Control: 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: Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• Induce emesis.
• Administer activated charcoal.
• Administer a laxative.
• Use gastric lavage.
• Treat the symptoms.

With proper care, recovery normally occurs.