Zinc

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Zinc

Definition:

Poisoning from an overdose of zinc.

Poisonous Ingredient:

Zinc

Where Found:

Zinc
Various zinc salts such as zinc oxide (relatively nontoxic), zinc acetate, zinc sulfate and zinc chloride
Multiple mineral supplements
Multiple vitamin and mineral supplements
Heated or burned galvanized metal (releases zinc fumes)

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms:

Burning sensation (body)
Metallic taste
Body pain
Shock
No urine output
Collapse
Convulsions
Fever
Chills
Cough
Shortness of breath
Yellow eyes or yellow skin
Rash
Vomiting
Watery or bloody diarrhea
Low blood pressure

Home Treatment:

Give lots of milk or water immediately.

Before Calling Emergency:

Determine the following information:

The patient's age, weight, and condition
The name of the product (as well as the ingredients and strength if known)
When it was swallowed
The amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number:

If you are concerned about a zinc overdose or toxic exposure, seek medical care immediately at the nearest emergency room. See poison control centers for the national telephone number. Take any containers with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room:

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

Giving milk or water.
Using gastric lavage (pumping the stomach).
Administering an antidote.
Treating other symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

The extent of illness and survival depend on the dosage and how much time passed before treatment. If symptoms are mild, full recovery is typical. If the poisoning is severe, death may occur up to a week after swallowing the poison.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.