| Definition: |
Poisoning from an overdose of imipramine (an antidepressant).
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| Alternative Names: |
Tofranil; Janimine
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| Poisonous Ingredient: |
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| Where Found: |
- Tofranil
- Berkomine
- Janimine
- Norpramin
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
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| Symptoms: |
- body as a whole
- respiratory
- eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- gastrointestinal
- heart and blood vessels
- nervous system
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| Home Treatment: |
Call the Poison Control center for guidance. DO NOT INDUCE EMESIS (VOMITING) UNLESS TOLD TO DO SO BY Poison Control.
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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
- if the medication was prescribed for the patient
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| Poison Control, or a local emergency number: |
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the person to the hospital. 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: |
Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:- Induce emesis.
- Administer activated charcoal.
- Administer a laxative.
- Use gastric lavage.
- Monitor the patient's vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure).
- Maintain the patient's airway.
- Replace fluid if appropriate.
- Monitor imipramine levels.
- Treat the symptoms.
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| Expectations (prognosis): |
The amount swallowed and the time before appropriate therapy is initiated usually determine final outcome. Patients have died as late as 72 hours after an overdose ingestion. The sooner therapy is applied, the greater chance of a positive outcome.
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