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Chlordiazepoxide overdose
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Definition: |
Poisoning from an overdose of chlordiazepoxide.
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Alternative Names: |
Librium
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Where Found: |
- Librium
- Librax
- Limbitrol
- Equibral
- A-Poxide
- Mitran
Note: This list may not be all inclusive. |
Symptoms: |
- body as a whole
- respiratory
- eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- skin
- gastrointestinal
- heart and blood vessels
- nervous system
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Home Treatment: |
The standard procedure is to induce emesis (vomiting) unless the patient is unconscious or experiencing convulsions. Before inducing emesis, contact Poison Control for verification.
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 an adult. Follow with 1/2 glass 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 (ingredients and strengths if known)
- the time it was swallowed
- the amount swallowed
- if the medication was prescribed for the patient
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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:
- Induce emesis.
- Administer activated charcoal.
- Administer a laxative.
- Use gastric lavage.
- Treat the symptoms.
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Expectations (prognosis): |
With proper care, full recovery can be expected (except possibly in patients with aplastic anemia).
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Review Date: 1/7/2002
Reviewed By: Victoria Kennedy, RN, A.D.A.M. editorial.
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