Oxalic acid

Definition:

Poisoning from an overdose of oxalic acid.

Poisonous Ingredient:

oxalic acid

Where Found:

some bleaches
some anti-rust products
some metal cleaners
in rhubarb leaves

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms:

body as a whole
- pain in the mouth (causing mouth lesions)
- tremors
- convulsions
- collapse
- shock
eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- pain in the throat
gastrointestinal
- abdominal pain
- vomiting
heart and blood vessels
- weak pulse
- low blood pressure

Home Treatment:

Call Poison Control. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Give milk or water immediately, preferably water.

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

Poison Control, or a local emergency number:

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. 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:

Administration of IV or oral antidote.
Treatment of the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

Recovery is likely if an antidote can be given shortly after the acid is swallowed. The extent of injury is determined by the amount of acid ingested and the time to treatment. Severe ulceration of the mouth, GI tract, or airway may occur, which can be rapidly fatal if not treated.

Review Date: 2/4/2001
Reviewed By: Kevin G. Wheeler, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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