Poisoning from an overdose of potassium carbonate.
Poisonous Ingredient: Potassium carbonate
Where Found: - Some home permanent-wave solutions
- Some soft soaps
- Some dishwasher soaps
- Glass
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
Home Treatment: DO NOT induce vomiting.
If on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.
If swallowed, give water or milk IMMEDIATELY. If the patient is vomiting, continue giving water or milk.
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: If you suspect possible poisoning, call 1-800-222-1222 anywhere in the U.S. 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 any containers with you to the emergency room, if possible.
What to expect at the emergency room: Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:
- For swallowed poison
- Administration of fluids
- Administration of an antidote
- Endoscopy
- Treatment of symptoms
- For inhalation
- Administration of supplemental oxygen
- Treatment of symptoms
Expectations (prognosis): The probable outcome depends on how corrosive the ingested product was and how rapidly it was diluted and neutralized. Extensive damage to the mouth, throat, and stomach are possible. The ultimate outcome depends on the extent of this damage.
Damage continues to occur in the esophagus and stomach for several weeks after the agent was swallowed. Death may occur as long as a month after the product was swallowed.
