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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:

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.

If you suspect possible poisoning, call the National Poison Control Center at 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.

See poison control centers.



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.




Review Date: 2/19/2005
Reviewed By: William D. Whetstone M.D., Division of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. 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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Hartford, Connecticut 06105
(860) 714-4000

 
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