Photographic fixative

Alternative names

Photographic developers; Hydroquinones; Quinones; Sulfites

Definition

This poisoning is from an ingestion of photographic fixative.

Poisonous Ingredient

• Hydroquinones
  
• Quinones
  
• Sulfites
  

Where Found

• Various photographic fixative products
  

Symptoms

• Respiratory
  o Difficulty breathing (from inhalation or allergic reaction)
  
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  o Burning pain in the throat
  o Blurred vision
  o Burns to the eye
  
• Skin
  o Rash
  
• Gastrointestinal
  o Vomiting
  o Abdominal pain
  o Diarrhea (watery, bloody)
  
• Heart and blood vessels
  o Low blood pressure
  
• Nervous system
  o Stupor
  o Coma
  

Home Treatment

For ingestion or inhalation of these products, seek emergency medical care immediately. Standard procedure is to dilute with milk or water unless the patient is unconscious or experiencing convulsions. Contact Poison Control for further guidance.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• The patient's age, weight, and condition
  
• Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength, 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

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• Treat the allergic reaction with diphenhydramine and prednisone.