Drain cleaners

Definition

Poisoning from an ingestion or inhalation of drain cleaner.

Poisonous Ingredient

Sodium hydroxide

Where Found

• Some drain cleaners
  
• Some aquarium products
  

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

• Body as a whole
  o Severe pain in the mouth
  o Collapse
  
• Inability to breathe due to the throat swelling shut
  
• Severe pain in the throat
  
• Gastrointestinal
  o Severe abdominal pain
  o Diarrhea
  o Vomiting
  
• Rapid drop in blood pressure
  

Home Treatment

Do Not INDUCE VOMITING.

If the cleaner was swallowed, give water or milk IMMEDIATELY. If the patient is vomiting, keep giving water or milk.

Do Not TRY TO NEUTRALIZE by giving vinegar or lemon juice, as this may cause more severe burning.

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 Poison Control or local emergency telephone representative will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. The national Poison Control hotline can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.
Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• For swallowed poison
  o Administration of fluids
  o Endoscopy
  o Treatment of symptoms
  
• For inhalation
  o Administration of supplemental oxygen
  o Treatment of symptoms