Sorbic acid overdose

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Definition
This poisoning is from an overdose of sorbic acid.

Poisonous Ingredient
Sorbic acid

Where Found

• As a skin protective
  
• As a skin softener
  
• In some cosmetics
  
• As a preservative

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain
  
• Skin irritation

Home Treatment
Skin cleansers are relatively nontoxic. Call Poison Control for further information about treatment.

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
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 at the emergency room

• For swallowed poison
  o Placement of a tube down the nose and into the stomach (a nasogastric tube, or an NG tube) to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)
  o Activated charcoal administration
  o Endoscopy—the placement of a camera down the throat to see the extent of burns to the esophagus and the stomach
  o Give IV fluids
  o Admission to the hospital
  o Give an antidote
  o Treat the symptoms
  
• For inhaled poisons
  o A breathing tube may need to be inserted
  o Oxygen
  o Admission to the hospital or to the intensive care unit
  o Bronchoscopy (inserting a camera down the throat into the airway to evaluate the extent of burns to the airway and lungs)
  
• For skin exposure
  o Irrigation (washing of the skin), perhaps every few hours for several days
  o Skin debridement (surgical removal of burned skin)
  o Admission or transfer to a hospital that specializes in burn care

Expectations (prognosis)
Since these products are relatively nontoxic, recovery is very likely with proper treatment.

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