| Children | Adults | Teachers | Medical |
| photo by hoover@creative commons |
OCULAR EXPOSURES
Eye exposures occur frequently such as when a household product, insecticide or automobile product accidentally splashes or blows into someone’s eye. When this happens, the PCC recommends irrigating the affected eye(s) first and then call the Poison Center.
Irrigation Procedure:
Lay the victim down (if a small child, wrap in a towel or blanket to help control their movements.)
If the vicitim is wearing contact lenses, remove them.
Hold eye open with thumb and forefinger.
Using room temperature tap water, pour a gentle stream on the bridge of the nose allowing the water to run across the eye and down the side of the face. If both eyes are involved, alternate during process. Never use water under pressure such as from a shower head or sink sprayer.
Using this method, irrigate for 15 minutes.
Allow eye to rest an additional 15 minutes and call the poison center for further evaluation.
DO NOT use medicated eye drops or pressurized water. Cupping water into the eye does not provide adequate rinsing.
SPI TIP: A good product for eye irrigation is Saline Solution for contact lenses. This saline solution is similar to human tears. It is inexpensive and easy to use because like eye drops, can be easily controlled and is not as messy or traumatic as pouring water.
By Marda, R.N., CSPI
10 Good Reasons to Call the Poison Control Center
People may wonder what sort of calls we get here at the Poison Control Center. While we hope you never need to call us, there are times when you may need some advice from our highly trained staff of pharmacists and nurses. Here are some reasons why you may need to call:
1. Your child has been chewing on a plug-in air freshener and is now crying.
Some of these products can cause a lot of irritation. Call us and we’ll tell you what to do.
2. You took an extra dose of your medication by mistake.
Sometimes this can be a problem. Give us a call and we’ll tell you what to watch out for.
3. You splashed a chemical in your eye and don’t know what to do next.
This can be very dangerous in some cases. We’ll tell you what to do and if you need a doctor’s attention.
4. You found your dog eating rat poison. Dogs can easily eat a toxic amount of this. We’ll tell you what to do next.
5. You heard about a recall for a food product and you remember that you ate some of it. This seems to be
happening a lot lately. We’ll help you identify the recalled product and let you know what signs and symptoms to look for.
6. You mixed some cleaning products and the combination formed an irritating gas. Call us and we’ll help you clear the air. Please remember to read the label first before using any product!
7. Your baby ate a mouthful of diaper rash ointment.
Some babies will eat whatever they can reach. We can tell you if this is going to be a problem.
8. You sprayed pesticide and now you are itching all over.
Pesticides can be very dangerous. Call us and we can tell you what to do. When using any pesticide, follow the instructions carefully.
9. You took the dog’s heartworm pill by mistake.
Don’t feel silly, sometimes these things happen. We will tell you if it is going to be a problem.
10. Your toddler got into grandma’s pill box and you think there are some pills missing.
This can be extremely dangerous! Don’t take any chances. Call us right away and we will tell you what to do next.
Of course there are hundreds of other reasons to call us too. Maybe you just want a magnet with our phone number on it to put on your refrigerator. Give us a call and we will help out in any way we can. We are always open and your call is always free.
By Hester, DPh, SPI
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Winter is upon us again! With all the ice and freezing temperatures which have blown our way already this year, many people are looking for ways to keep themselves warm when their electricity goes out. During this time of year, we get many calls regarding carbon monoxide exposure, which is one of most common causes of poisoning death.
The following is a list of tips to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
Mild symptoms of carbon monoxide include nausea, headache, fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, flushing and confusion, among others. If you suspect yourself or someone else has been exposed or is having symptoms, get them to fresh air right away. Call 911 or take them to the emergency room. To prevent multiple exposures, keep all people and pets away from the area until it has been thoroughly ventilated and the source of exposure is known and contained.
If you have any questions regarding carbon monoxide, please call the Oklahoma Poison Control Center @ 1-800- 222-1222.
- By Kimberly, PA, CSPI
Pets and Poisoning
Did you know that every day household products, plants and prescription medications can be harmful to your pets? The eating habits of dogs and cats differ from humans: making them more likely to ingest more of a harmful substance than a human would. For instance, dogs will often eat whatever amount is presented to them, even if they are full. Puppies will chew on almost anything, regardless of taste or texture. Cats will groom themselves and eat substances on their paws or fur.
Some common poisonous substances are listed below:
Household Products |
Plants |
Medications |
Foods |
Pesticides |
Lilies |
Narcotics (including used patches) |
Sugar-free Gum |
Rat and Mouse Bait |
Oleander |
Acetaminophen |
Chocolate |
Slug and Snail Bait |
Tulips |
Anti-inflammatories |
Grapes |
Fly Bait |
Castor Bean (ricin) |
Warfarin (blood thinners) |
Macadamia Nuts |
Cocoa Mulch |
Yew |
Diet Pills |
|
Mothballs |
Azalea |
Vitamins with Iron |
|
Antifreeze |
Peace Lily |
||
Batteries |
|||
The Oklahoma Poison Control Center answered over 130 calls throughout the month of July involving animal poisonings. Our poison Information Specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Pet owners are encouraged to call the Animal Poison Control Center, operated by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), at 888-426-4435 or visit their web site for tips on poison proofing your home, toxic substances and what to do if your pet is poisoned.
- By Kristie, PharmD, BCPS, CSPI
Poison Specialists are
pharmacists and nurses who have been specially and extensively
trained in toxicology or poisoning. All specialists in poison information must complete a training program
approved by the Medical Director and must be certified by the American Association of Poison Control Centers as a Specialist in Poison Information.
