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Health Information Encyclopedia - Poison


Bacitracin zinc overdose

Definition:

This poisoning is due to an overdose of bacitracin zinc.



Alternative Names: Cortisporin ointment overdose; Baciferm overdose

Poisonous Ingredient:
  • Bacitracin
  • Zinc


Where Found:

These ingredients are found in many different products, including�some:�

  • Prescription antibiotic eye drops and ointments such as Neosporin Ophthalmic
  • Antibiotic sprays such as Polysporin Spray
  • Over-the-counter antibiotic ointments such as Neosporin and Polysporin

Bacitracin zinc may also be added to animal food.

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.



Symptoms:

Symptoms are more likely a result of an allergic reaction to the ingredients, rather than a true overdose. They may include:



Home Treatment:

Stop using the product. Seek immediate emergency medical care.

If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person�water. DO NOT give water if the patient is vomiting or has a decreased level of alertness.



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


Poison Control, or a local emergency number:

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See National Poison Control center.



What to expect at the emergency room:

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

The patient may receive:

  • Fluids by IV
  • Medicines to treat symptoms
  • Medicines to treat the allergic reaction
  • Activated charcoal
  • Methods to make the person throw up�
  • Endoscopy
  • A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)��
  • Washing of the skin (if product touched skin)


Expectations (prognosis):

How well a person does depends on whether�the allergic reaction can be controlled. If a person survives longer than 24 hours, they will probably recover.




Review Date: 4/4/2006
Reviewed By: Janeen R. Azare, PhD, MSPH, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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