Drain opening agents

Definition

Drain opening agents can be found in many homes. Small children may drink them if given the opportunity. Common exposures include the agent splashing into the eyes when being poured as well as eye or airway burns from fumes from the "foaming" drain openers. All inhalations, eye exposures, or ingestions of these agents are extremely dangerous.

Poisonous Ingredient

corrosive alkalis

Where Found

• drain cleaners or openers of various brand names
  

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

• Respiratory
  o Breathing difficulty (from inhalation)
  o Throat swelling (which may also cause breathing difficulty)
  
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  o Burns to the eyes which may result in permanent loss of vision
  o Severe pain in the throat
  o Severe pain or burning in the nose, eyes, ears, lips, or tongue
  
• Gastrointestinal
  o Severe abdominal pain
  o Vomiting
  o Burns of the esophagus (food pipe)
  o Vomiting blood
  o Blood in the stool
  
• Heart and blood vessels
  o Hypotension (low blood pressure) develops rapidly
  o Collapse
  
• Skin
  o Irritation
  o Burn
  o Necrosis (holes) in the skin or underlying tissues
  
• Blood
  o Severe change in pH (too much or too little acid in the blood, which leads to damage in all of the body organs)
  

Home Treatment
Seek emergency medical care immediatly. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the product is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes. If the product was swallowed, give water or milk IMMEDIATELY. If the patient is vomiting, keep 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
See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.