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Zinc oxide overdose
Definition:
Poisoning from an overdose of zinc oxide.

Alternative Names:
Desitin; Calamine lotion; Zinaderm

Poisonous Ingredient:
  • zinc oxide
Where Found:
  • zinc oxide ointment
  • some diaper rash medications
  • some hemorrhoid preparations
  • in some skin lotions
  • calamine lotion
  • Caladryl lotion
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
Symptoms:
Home Treatment:
Zinc oxide is considered fairly nontoxic. If swallowed in large doses 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
  • the name of the 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. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. 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:
Expectations (prognosis):
Because of the basic nontoxic nature of zinc oxide, recovery is very likely.
Review Date: 1/17/2002
Reviewed By: Victoria Kennedy, RN, A.D.A.M. editorial.
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