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Zinc oxide overdose
Definition
This is poisoning from an overdose of zinc oxide.
Alternative Names
Poisonous Ingredient
Zinc oxide
Where Found
Zinc oxide may be found in many different products, including:
- Zinc oxide ointment
- Diaper rash medications
- Hemorrhoid medications
- Skin lotions
- Calamine lotion
- Caladryl lotion
- Sunscreen lotion
- Cosmetics
- Paint
- Rubber goods
- Paper coating
Symptoms
- Chills
- Yellow eyes and yellow skin
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cough
- Fever
- Mouth and throat irritation
Home Care
If the person swallowed a lot of zinc oxide, 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 chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.
If the chemical is breathed in (inhaled), move the person to fresh air.
Call your doctor or poison control.
Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:
- Patient's age, weight, and condition
- Name of the product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
- Time it was swallowed
- Amount swallowed
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.
Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.
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.
The patient may receive:
- Methods to make the person throw up
- Medicines to treat symptoms
- A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)
- Medicine (antidote) to reverse the effects of the poison
Outlook (Prognosis)
Zinc oxide is not very poisonous (toxic). Patients usually get better.
Reviewed By: Janeen R. Azare, PhD, MSPH, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
