Sachets

Alternative names

Potpourri

Definition

Poisoning from ingestion of the ingredients of a sachet.

Poisonous Ingredient

Potpourri is generally considered to be non-toxic.

Where Found

• Various sachets
  

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

• Respiratory (usually from allergic reactions)
  o Shallow breathing
  o May also be rapid
  
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  o Difficulty swallowing
  o Throat irritation
  o Eye irritation
  
• Gastrointestinal
  o Abdominal pain
  o diarrhea
  o nausea
  o Vomiting
  
• Nervous system
  o Unconsciousness
  o Dizziness
  

Home Treatment
With any potentially toxic ingestion or allergic reaction, seek emergency medical care immediately. DO NOT INDUCE EMESIS (Vomiting) UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO.

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.

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.
  
• For swallowed poisono 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.