| Definition: |
This poisoning is due to an overdose of bacitracin zinc.
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| Poisonous Ingredient: |
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| Where Found: |
- Some prescription antibiotic eye drops, such as Neosporin Ophthalmic drops
- Some prescription antibiotic eye ointments, such as Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment
- Some antibiotic sprays, such as Polysporin Spray
- Some antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin and Polysporin
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
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| Symptoms: |
- Body as a whole
- Respiratory
- Skin
- Heart and blood vessels
- Nervous system
Note: These reactions are more likely as a result of an allergic reaction rather than a true overdose situation.
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| Home Treatment: |
Discontinue the use of the antibiotic. Seek emergency medical care immediately. Call Poison Control for guidance.
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| 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
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| Poison Control, or a local emergency number: |
See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.
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| What to expect at the emergency room: |
- Treat the allergic reaction with diphenhydramine and prednisone.
- For swallowed poison
- Placement of a tube down the nose and into the stomach (a nasogastric tube, or an NG tube) to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage).
- Activated charcoal administration.
- Endoscopy -- the placement of a camera down the throat to see the extent of burns to the esophagus and the stomach.
- Give IV fluids.
- Admission to the hospital.
- Give an antidote.
- Treat the symptoms.
- For skin exposure
- Irrigation (washing of the skin), perhaps every few hours for several days.
- Skin debridement (surgical removal of burned skin).
- Admission or transfer to a hospital that specializes in burn care.
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| Expectations (prognosis): |
If the allergic reaction can be controlled, recovery is very likely.
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