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Drain cleaners
Definition:
Poisoning from an ingestion or inhalation of drain cleaner.

Poisonous Ingredient:
Sodium hydroxide
Where Found:
  • some drain cleaners
  • some aquarium products
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
Symptoms:
Home Treatment:
DO NOT INDUCE EMESIS (VOMITING).

If the cleaner was swallowed, give water or milk IMMEDIATELY. If the patient is vomiting, keep giving water or milk. DO NOT TRY TO NEUTRALIZE by giving vinegar or lemon juice; this may cause more severe burning.
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:
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:
  • for swallowed poison
    • Give fluids.
    • Treat the symptoms.
  • for inhalation
    • Treat the symptoms.
Expectations (prognosis):
The prognosis (probable outcome) depends on how much alkali was consumed. Extensive damage to the mouth, throat, and stomach are possible. The ultimate outcome depends on the extent of this damage. Damage continues to occur to the esophagus and stomach for several weeks after the alkali was swallowed. Death may occur as long as a month after the alkali was swallowed.
Review Date: 12/2/2001
Reviewed By: Boaz Rosenblat, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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