Zinaderm

Alternative names

Desitin; Calamine lotion; Zinc oxide overdose

Definition

This is poisoning from an overdose of zinc oxide.

Poisonous Ingredient

• zinc oxide
  

Where Found

• zinc oxide ointment
  
• some diaper rash medications
  
• some hemorrhoid preparations
  
• in some skin lotions
  
• calamine lotion
  
• Caladryl lotion
  

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

• body as a whole
  o chills
  
• eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  o yellow eyes
  
• skin
  o yellow skin
  
• gastrointestinal
  o abdominal pain
  o nausea and/or vomiting
  o diarrhea
  

Home Treatment
Zinc oxide is considered fairly nontoxic. If swallowed in large doses call Poison Control.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
  
• the name of the 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:

• Induce vomiting.
  
• Use gastric lavage.
  
• Treat the symptoms.
  

Expectations (prognosis)
Because of the basic nontoxic nature of zinc oxide, recovery is very likely.