Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T V W Y Z
Overview Symptoms Treatment
Laxative overdose
Alternative Names: Laxative abuse Home Treatment: DO NOT induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by Poison Control or by a physician. Text Continues Below Before Calling Emergency: Determine the following information: Patient's age, weight, and condition The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known) When 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 U.S. 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. If possible, 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: Administering activated charcoal Monitoring vital signs ( blood pressure, pulse) Monitoring EKG (monitors heart function) Blood samples drawn to determine serum electrolyte levels Administering fluids and electrolytes through an IV Expectations (prognosis): How well a patient does depends on the type of laxative swallowed, how much was swallowed, and how much time passed before treatment was received. Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>