Calamine lotion overdose

Poisonous Ingredient:
  • zinc oxide



Where Found:

  • calamine lotion
  • caladryl lotion

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms:



Home Treatment:
Normally, zinc oxide is considered nontoxic. However if taken in large doses the standard procedure is to induce emesis ( vomiting ) unless the patient is unconscious or experiencing convulsions . Before inducing emesis, contact Poison Control for verification.

If instructed to induce emesis, proceed as follows or as otherwise instructed:

Give the usual dose of ipecac syrup: 15 milliliters (ml) or 1 TABLEspoonful for children and 30 ml (2 TABLEspoonsful) for an adult. Follow with 1/2 glass or 4 ounces (oz.) of water for children or 8 to 12 oz. of water for adults. Repeat 1 more time in 1/2 hour if emesis has not occurred.

Before Calling Poison Control:
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



Call Poison Control:
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to Expect:
Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:



Prognosis:
Because of the basic nontoxic nature of zinc oxide, recovery is very likely.