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Trisodium phosphate poisoning


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Alternative Names

Sodium orthophosphate poisoning; Trisodium orthophosphate poisoning


Home Treatment

Do NOT make a person throw up.

If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk. Do NOT give water or milk if the patient is vomiting or has a decreased level of alertness.

If the person breathed in the poison, immediately move him or her to fresh air.


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

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See: Poison control center - emergency number


What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate.

For swallowed poison, the patient may receive:

  • Endoscopy -- camera down the throat to see burns in the esophagus and the stomach
  • Fluids by IV

For inhaled poisons, the patient may receive:

  • Breathing support, possibly a breathing tube
  • Bronchoscopy -- camera down the throat to see burns in the airways and lungs
  • Oxygen

For skin exposure, the patient may receive:

  • Skin debridement (surgical removal of burned skin)
  • Washing of the skin (irrigation) -- perhaps every few hours for several days
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