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Fluoride overdose
Definition:
Poisoning from an overdose of fluoride.

Poisonous Ingredient:
  • fluoride
Where Found:
  • sodium fluoride tablets
  • sodium fluoride liquid
  • Tri and multivitamins with fluoride (Tri-Vi-Flor, Poly-Vi-Flor, Vi-Daylin F)
  • fluoridated water
  • some mouthwashes (ACT, Fluorigard)
  • some toothpastes (Crest, Aqua Fresh, Colgate MFP)
  • roach powders
  • etching cream

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
Symptoms:
Home Treatment:

Give milk every 4 hours. The standard procedure is to induce emesis (vomiting) unless the patient is unconscious or experiencing convulsions. Before inducing vomiting, 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
Poison Control, or a local emergency number:
If you are concerned about a fluoride overdose or poisoning, seek emergency medical care immediately at your nearest emergency room. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container or a sample 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):
Extent of illness and chance of recovery are dependent upon the dose and time to treatment. If the patient survives for 48 hours, recovery is likely.
Review Date: 2/18/2001
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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