When a poisoning happens, call The MA & RI Poison Center.

In a Poison Emergency, Call 1-800-222-1222.

Common Poisonings

If you suspect that your child has swallowed or put a magnet in their ear or nose, please contact your doctor or the poison control center.

1) In the Medicine Cabinet:

     Acetaminophen

(brand name: “Tylenol”) is an over-the-counter medicine used commonly for minor aches and pains, as well as to treat fevers. It is available in both pill and liquid form, and is often sold as combination products for pain (e.g. “Percocet,” “Vicodin,” “Motrin Dual Action”), cough and cold (e.g. certain formulations of “Nyquil,” “Sudafed,” “Robitussin”), headaches (e.g. “Excedrin,” ”Goody’s Powder”), and menstrual cramps (e.g. “Midol”). If taken more than directed on the bottle, acetaminophen can cause liver failure.

     Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Ibuprofen (brand names: “Advil,” “Motrin”) and naproxen (brand name: “Aleve”) are examples of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs are sold over-the-counter to treat minor aches and pains as well as fevers. If taken more than directed on the bottle, NSAIDs can cause intestinal bleeding, kidney damage, and the build-up of excess acid in the blood stream.

     Aspirin

Aspirin is an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, fever reducing, and anti-platelet (blood clot reducing) medication. It is also sold in combination with other products for headaches (e.g. “Excedrin”, “Goody’s Powder”). If taken more than directed on the bottle, aspirin can cause upset stomach, ringing in the ears, difficulty breathing, seizures, and the build-up of excess acid in the blood stream.

     Diphenhydramine and related allergy medications

Diphenhydramine (brand name: “Benadryl”) is one of many over-the-counter antihistamine medications used to treat allergies and itchiness. These antihistamines are also commonly added to other medications to reduce nasal congestion (e.g. “Alka-Seltzer Plus,” “Coricidin”) and as a sleep aid (e.g. “Nyquil,” “Tylenol PM,” “Unisom”). If taken more than directed on the bottle, antihistamines can cause excessive sleepiness, hallucinations, confusion, and dangerously elevated temperatures.

     Multivitamins

Multivitamins are over-the-counter supplements with a variety of vitamins and minerals thought to be beneficial to human health. Depending on the specific product, these supplements can be very dangerous if taken at dosages larger than recommended on the bottle. Symptoms may vary, but can include vomiting, stomach pain, weakness, and confusion.

     Cough, Cold, and Flu Medicine

Cough, cold, and flu medicines represent a variety of different over-the-counter products designed to make you feel better when you’re sick. They often contain acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, and antihistamines (see relevant sections for further information). These medicines also often include the cough-supressing medication dextromethorphan (brand names: “Delysm,” “Robitussin;” also found in many other combination products). If taken more than directed on the bottle, dextromethorphan can cause excessive sleepiness, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, and dangerously elevated temperatures.

2) Under the Sink

     Dishwasher detergent

Dishwasher detergent contains several chemicals that can be irritating to the eyes, skin, and GI tract. Detergents are typically very basic (have a high pH) and can cause caustic injury to the mouth and esophagus if swallowed.

     Liquid drain cleaner (ex. draino)

Liquid drain cleaner is an extremely caustic liquid that contains sodium hydroxide and is used to unclog sinks and drains. It can cause extensive damage if swallowed; symptoms include pain in the mouth/throat, inability to swallow, difficulty breathing, and vomiting blood.

     Laundry Pods

Laundry pods are packets that contain concentrated detergents used in most modern washing machines. If ingested, laundry pods can cause pain in the mouth/throat, inability to swallow, difficulty breathing, bloody vomit, and lethargy.

3) In the House

     Alcohol

Alcohol (ex. ethanol) is found in most homes in the form of beer, wine, and liquor, but is also found in some mouthwashes, hand sanitizers, and baking supplies like vanilla extract. While generally well tolerate in adults in moderation, alcohol exposure to a child can lead to somnolence, coma, difficulty breathing, low blood sugar, seizures, and death.

     Button Batteries

Button batteries are small, powerful batteries that are found in many electronic devices. They are extremely dangerous; if swallowed they can become lodged in the esophagus and cause erosion into surrounding structures, leading to significant injury and death. Toddlers are particularly at risk.

     Magnets

Sets of tiny, strong magnets are sold as adult toys but can be swallowed by children, resulting in serious injury and even death. The magnets, or a magnet and another metal object, can become stuck to each other, even through folds of intestine or tissue. This will pinch off blood supply to the area, causing tissue death, bleeding, and infection. If you suspect that your child has swallowed or put a magnet in their ear or nose, please contact your doctor or the poison control center.

     Cannabis/edibles

With increasing legalization of cannabis (THC, marijuana, weed), there are more and more reports of children unknowingly ingesting products with large concentrations of THC (the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis). Pediatric exposure to THC leads to altered mental status, somnolence, coma, and occasionally seizures. If you suspect that your child has ingested a cannabis containing product, please contact your doctor or the poison control center.

     Vape liquid/Nicotine

Vape pens that contain liquid nicotine, as well as cigarette butts and chewing tobacco can be extremely dangerous if swallowed. Nicotine poisoning can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tremors, sweating, seizures, and death. If you suspect that your child has ingested a nicotine containing product, please contact your doctor or the poison control center.

4) In the Yard/Garden

     Mushrooms

There are many different mushrooms found in nature. Unfortunately, many of these non-store-bought mushrooms are highly dangerous and can cause effects such as vomiting and diarrhea, liver injury, kidney injury, seizures, hallucinations, and death. Even experienced mushroom foragers can mistakenly consume a dangerous mushroom. If you or a loved one consumes a mushroom, please contact the poison control center. Because identification of the mushroom is crucial to determining toxicity, please take a picture of the mushroom and save it in a brown paper bag.

     Plants

There are many plants in nature, some of which are toxic to humans. Some examples found in the Northeast include the following: Pokeweed is a perennial plant that is 4-10 feet in height, has reddish-purple stems and green leaves, and purplish-blue berries which can appear appetizing, but when consumed will cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. There are multiple species of yew tree found in the United States including the Canadian yew, which is a conifer shrub with green needles and red berries. All parts of the plant are toxic and when consumed can cause dangerous heart rhythms and death. Lily of the Valley is a short woodland plant with sweet-smelling bell-shaped white flowers and green leaves that can cause vomiting, dangerous heart rhythms, and death if eaten. If you or a loved one consumes an unknown wild plant including any of the above plants, take a picture of the plant, save it in a brown paper bag, and call the poison center immediately.

5) In the Garage

     Hydrocarbons (ex. gasoline, kerosine)

Hydrocarbons are found in sources of fuel such as gasoline, motor oil, lighter fluid, and lamp oil (kerosene). They are generally not harmful if swallowed, but can cause serious damage to the lungs if they are accidentally inhaled or “go down the wrong pipe” and end up in the lungs. This can cause coughing, rapid breathing, and shortness of breath. If you are concerned that you or someone you know has swallowed or inhaled hydrocarbons, do not induce vomiting! Instead, contact your doctor or call the poison control center.

     Ethylene glycol/Methanol

Several chemicals used for automobile maintenance contain toxic compounds. Ethylene glycol and methanol are found in antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid, respectively. These substances can cause dangerously high levels of acid in the blood, as well as vomiting, confusion, abnormal behavior, loss of vision, and even kidney failure. If you are concerned that you or someone you know has swallowed any of these chemicals, call your doctor or the poison control center immediately.

     Rat poison

There are several different types of rat poisons available in the United States that can be harmful if swallowed. A common form of rat poison works as a very powerful blood thinner; in humans, it can put you at high risk of serious bleeding, but most people do not have significant bleeding. Other rat poisons can cause sleepiness, confusion, breathing problems, or heart problems. Some of them cause very little health problems at all. If you are concerned that you or someone you know has swallowed rat poison, call your doctor or the poison control center immediately. Because of the wide range of different toxicities between different rat poisons, you should try to identify the brand and the active ingredient on the container, if available, so that the health care team can give you appropriate guidance.

     Pesticides

Pesticides can be extremely harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Most common pesticides are very irritating to the eyes, skin, and mouth. Certain pesticides, or pesticides in large amounts, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, difficulty breathing, seizures, and life threatening amounts of mucous and saliva production. You might notice that someone exposed to large amounts of pesticides has very small pupils and a slow heart rate. The body fluids of people exposed can transmit the chemicals and make you sick. If you are concerned you or someone you know has been exposed to pesticides, protect yourself! Do not touch their bodily fluids with your bare-hands, and rinse the exposed area with water. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Call your doctor or the poison control center immediately.

     Herbicides

Herbicides are chemicals used to control the growth of plants. Some are dangerous and even life threatening. They can be very damaging to the mouth, throat, and stomach, and can cause vomiting or difficulty breathing. If swallowed, they can cause severe muscle damage, confusion, kidney failure, and permanent lung disease. If you are concerned you or someone you know has been exposed to herbicides, rinse the exposed area with water. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Call your doctor or the poison control center immediately.

Follow these tips to keep your family safe: 

Medicines

• Keep medicines (as well as vitamins and diet supplements) in the containers they came in. Do this at home AND when traveling.
• Lock up medicines and household products where children can’t see or reach them.
• Use containers that are made to keep children out. Replace caps tightly after using a product. Remember that no container can promise to keep children out.
• Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking. Mention prescription AND over-the-counter drugs.
• Read and follow directions and warnings on the label before taking medicine. If you have questions about how to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist.
• Read the label before taking or giving medicine EVERY TIME.
• Be careful when taking drugs together. Doing so can be risky. Some medicines should not be taken with food, alcohol, or other medicines. Read carefully the labels of any over-the-counter drugs you are taking. Be sure you are not using two or more products that contain the same drug. Be extra careful with the drug acetaminophen.
• Talk to your doctor before taking any food supplements (like vitamins, minerals, or herbs).
• Never take medicine in the dark.
• Never take other people’s prescription drugs. Take only those that are prescribed for you. Never share prescription drugs.
• Products, like medicine, that taste, smell, or look like candy or drinks may attract children. Be sure to keep these products out of sight. Keep them out of reach and locked up.
• Children learn by imitating adults. Children who see adults taking medicine will try to do the same thing.

Art Supplies

• Children often use glue, paint, ink, and other art products at home, school, and day-care. These art products are mixtures of chemicals. They can be dangerous if not used correctly. Make sure children use art products safely.
• Young children are very likely to taste pretty, colorful art products. If splashed into eyes or spilled onto skin, these products can harm children of any age.
• Handle art products according to the directions on their labels. They will tell you how to use and store them safely. Read the warnings and pay attention to them. 

Household Cleaners and Other Chemical Products

• Keep poisons in the containers they came in. Do not use food containers (such as cups or bottles) to store household cleaners and other strong chemicals.
• Store strong chemicals away from food. Many poisonings occur when one product is mistaken for another.
• Read and follow the directions for use of products. Do this BEFORE using the products. Follow the advice carefully.
• Never mix chemicals. Doing so can create a poisonous gas.
• Turn on fans and open windows when using strong chemicals.
• When spraying chemicals, direct spray nozzle away from people and pets.
• Never sniff containers to see what’s inside.
• Discard old or outdated products. First aid advice on containers may be incorrect and outdated. • Call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222) to double check first aid information.
• Even in small amounts, windshield wiper fluid is poisonous. If swallowed, it can cause blindness or death to people and pets.
• Strong chemicals can burn the skin. Drain openers, toilet cleaners, rust removers, and oven cleaners can cause such burns.
• Hydrocarbon liquids (liquids made from petroleum) are poisonous. They include gasoline, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, paint thinner, baby oil, lamp oil, and furniture polish.
•  If hydrocarbons are swallowed, they can easily get into the lungs. Even a small amount can cause breathing problems. The liquid coats the inside of the lungs. That prevents oxygen from entering the blood stream. 

Pesticides

• Pesticides (pest killers) can be taken in through the skin or inhaled. Even leather shoes and gloves do not offer full protection. Pesticides can be extremely poisonous. Stay away from areas that have been sprayed until the spray has dried or for at least one hour.
• Wear protective clothing when using bug spray or other spray products. Put on a long-sleeve shirt, long pants, socks, shoes, and gloves. Remove and wash clothing after using chemicals.
• If pesticides are splashed onto the skin, rinse with running water for 15–20 minutes. If pesticide contacts clothing, take off the clothing before rinsing skin.
• Many garden chemicals are poisonous to children and adults. These chemicals can be harmful if swallowed or inhaled. 

If you suspect a poisoning, call the MA & RI Poison Center serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island right away. Do not wait for the victim to look or feel sick. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911 for an ambulance.

Hearing impaired, call 1-888-244-5313. Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Staff is available at all times to provide quick, accurate, precise poisoning treatment information. If necessary, the victim will be referred to the nearest health care facility for treatment.

When you call the Massachusetts & Rhode Island Poison Center, take the poison with you to the phone if possible. You may be asked to read information from the bottle's label or the substances. You also will be asked to give:

• your zip code
• the victim's age and weight
• any symptoms the victim has related to the poisoning
• the time the poisoning took place
• the name of the substance or poison
• the amount of the substance or poison
• any current health problems of the victim
• any medicines the victim is taking

HIPAA Confidentiality:  The Privacy Rule provides federal protections for personal health information held by covered entities and gives patients an array of rights with respect to that information. At the same time, the Privacy Rule is balanced so that it permits the disclosure of personal health information needed for patient care and other important purposes.