Potassium carbonate

Definition

Poisoning from an overdose of potassium carbonate.

Poisonous Ingredient

Potassium carbonate

Where Found

• Some home permanent-wave solutions
  
• Some soft soaps
  
• Some dishwasher soaps
  
• Glass
  

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

• Body as a whole
  o Severe pain in the mouth
  o Collapse
  
• Breathing difficulties due to swelling of the throat
  
• Severe pain in the throat
  
• Gastrointestinal
  o Severe Abdominal pain
  o diarrhea
  
• Rapid drop in blood pressure
  

Home Treatment

DO NOT INDUCE Vomiting.

If on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

If swallowed, give water or milk IMMEDIATELY. If the patient is Vomiting, continue 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

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 Administration of an antidote
  o Endoscopy
  o Treatment of symptoms