Causes and Risks:

• phenol

Where Found:

• various antiseptics
• various disinfectants
• various germicides
• some preservatives

Symptoms:

• body as a whole
  • excessive sweating or thirst
  • convulsions
  • urine output, decreased (or none)
• respiratory
  • deep rapid breathing
• eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • yellow eyes
• skin
  • blue lips and fingernails
  • yellow skin
• gastrointestinal
  • nausea and vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • abdominal pain
• heart and blood vessels
  • drop in blood pressure
• nervous system
  • hyperactivity
  • stupor
  • coma

Home Treatment: Dilute with milk or water. Call Poison Control.

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 adults. Follow with 1/2 glassful 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
• name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength if known)
• the time it was swallowed
• the amount swallowed

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. Bring the poison container with you to the emergency room.

What To Expect: Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• Induce emesis (after determining no damage has been done to the esophagus)
• Administer activated charcoal.
• Use gastric lavage.
• Administer a cathartic (a bowel evacuator).
• Treat the symptoms.

Survival beyond 48 hours usually indicates recovery will occur.